By Janet Ekstract ISTANBUL – The World Economic Forum (WEF) 2025, the 54h annual meeting is taking place in Davos-Knosters, Switzerland from January 20-24 with this year’s theme of Collaboration for the Intelligent Age. WEF strategic partner McKinsey said this year’s priority in themes include AI Transformation, Resilience and Geopolitics, Energy Transition, Women’s Health, 21st Century Leadership, Space and Climate Tech. The annual event which brings together world leaders as well as those from civic society aims to address pressing global issues through a series of steps that include trust building, reimagining growth, safeguarding the planet, industries in the intelligent age and investing in people. The purpose is to engage in “constructive and forward-looking dialogues to identify impact-oriented solutions that will contribute to a better world, focused on sustainable inclusive growth.”
Approximately 3,000 leaders from 130 countries are attending this year’s Davos forum where on Tuesday, a major discussion on climate in the EU was led by EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen who commented, “Europe will stay the course and keep working with all nations that want to protect nature and stop global warming.” Concern at the conference has been circulating about U.S. President Trump’s withdrawal from the Paris Agreement. Meanwhile, U.N. climate chief Simon Stiell said, “The world is undergoing an energy transition that is unstoppable.” Stiell added, “the door remains open” if the U.S. decides to return to the Paris accords in the future. Another focus at the forum is leaders remarks on the fate of democracy on a global scale with the Council of Europe head Alain Berset telling the Associated Press, “We are witnessing a backsliding in democracy everywhere in the world, even in the most advanced democracy.” Berset added “It’s a movement into the bad – in the wrong direction.”
Meanwhile, Ukraine’s President Zelensky urged European leaders to remain united on Ukraine’s fight against Russian aggression. As Zelensky said on Tuesday “We’re at yet another turning point, which some see as a problem for Europe, but others call a chance. Europe must establish itself as a strong global player.” He added “Let’s not forget – there’s no ocean separating European countries from Russia.” Addressing the importance of America as an ally for Europe, Zelensky stated “In times of war, everyone worries – will the United States stay with them? Every ally worries about that Europe might abandon them someday – might stop being their ally?” Zelensky said, “The answer is no.” He also said that Europe can’t afford to be second or third in line for its allies.
On tech, a major discussion about harnessing AI for clean tech will take place with SandboxAQ CEO Jack Hidary. Hidary will speak about how AI is developing solutions to a clean energy future for the world. Discussions will include how to develop new types of batteries for electric vehicles (EVs) that don’t rely on lithium, reducing the use of dangerous chemicals by using AI to model new types of products that won’t harm the environment. Also on the agenda is how to use AI in the development of stronger more sustainable and durable materials as well as the process of collaboration and integration within the AI model. A major concern going forward is how to accelerate the production of clean energy to reach climate targets that nations have set for 2030 and 2050 through the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
