Davos 2025 Preview
The World Economic Forum's annual meeting in Davos in January 2025 will focus on global fragmentation, with world leaders, business executives, and thought leaders gathering to address geopolitical tensions, economic challenges, and emerging issues like AI governance.
Theme: Cooperation in a Fragmented World
The 2025 focus:
Key Themes
| Area | Focus |
|---|---|
| Geopolitics | Managing tensions |
| Economy | Growth amid headwinds |
| Technology | AI governance |
| Climate | Action acceleration |
| Society | Trust rebuilding |
Expected Attendees
Who will be there:
Participation
| Category | Representation |
|---|---|
| Heads of state/government | 50+ expected |
| CEOs | 1000+ |
| Civil society | Prominent |
| Media | Extensive |
Notable Absences
Some leaders may skip depending on domestic situations.
Geopolitical Tensions
Major discussion topics:
Conflict Zones
| Conflict | Status |
|---|---|
| Ukraine-Russia | Ongoing |
| Gaza | Ceasefire efforts |
| Syria | Transition |
| Taiwan | Tensions |
US Leadership Transition
Trump's return looms:
Impact on Davos
- Trade policy uncertainty
- Climate commitment questions
- Alliance dynamics
- Economic nationalism
- Potential attendance/messaging
Economic Outlook
Global economy discussion:
Key Issues
| Topic | Concern |
|---|---|
| Growth | Uneven recovery |
| Debt | Rising levels |
| Trade | Fragmentation |
| Inflation | Varied |
| Development | Divergence |
AI Governance
Major tech focus:
Discussions Expected
- Regulatory frameworks
- Safety standards
- Economic impact
- Workforce transition
- Governance models
Climate Action
Environmental agenda:
Focus Areas
| Issue | Discussion |
|---|---|
| COP outcomes | Assessment |
| Finance | Mobilization |
| Transition | Just transition |
| Adaptation | Developing world |
Business Agenda
Corporate leaders' priorities:
CEO Concerns
- Supply chain resilience
- Talent management
- Digital transformation
- Regulatory environment
- Stakeholder capitalism
Criticism of Davos
Persistent concerns:
Common Critiques
| Criticism | Response |
|---|---|
| Elitism | Inclusion efforts |
| Effectiveness | Initiatives cited |
| Carbon footprint | Offset claims |
| Disconnect | Outreach programs |
Side Events
Beyond main program:
Parallel Activities
- Bilateral meetings
- Business negotiations
- Civil society forums
- Youth engagement
- Media interviews
Key Sessions
Expected highlights:
Program Elements
| Session Type | Focus |
|---|---|
| Plenary | Big picture themes |
| Panels | Deep dives |
| Workshops | Solutions |
| Special addresses | Leaders |
Switzerland's Role
Host country context:
Swiss Position
- Neutral venue
- Diplomatic tradition
- Financial center
- Security provision
- International Geneva
Looking Ahead
WEF's trajectory:
Organizational Focus
- Regional meetings expansion
- Year-round engagement
- Initiative implementation
- Stakeholder diversification
- Impact measurement
Davos 2025 will provide a crucial early read on how global leaders plan to navigate an increasingly fragmented world order.
