What is Davos?

What is Davos?

Davos, Switzerland serves as the venue for the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum. Representatives from various sectors gather for several days of discussions and meetings aimed at tackling pressing global challenges.

Davos is a small ski resort located near Zürich, Switzerland. However, its fame does not stem from its skiing facilities. Each January, Davos serves as the venue for the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF). A carefully selected assembly of representatives from international business, government, civil society, media, and academia gathers in this Swiss town to discuss the most urgent challenges of the time and, ultimately, to formulate solutions.

In 2025, the annual meeting will focus on collaboration in the era of intelligence. We find ourselves in a period characterized by significant risks alongside remarkable opportunities. The increasing geopolitical polarization and value-based divisions are causing turmoil in communities worldwide; concurrently, innovation and the rapid advancement of technology present an unparalleled chance to enhance productivity and living standards.

Addressing these profound changes necessitates a renewed dedication to collaboration. The delegates at Davos 2025 will delve into various themes, including the identification of new growth sources within the global economy, the transformation of industries in the intelligent age, investment in human development, the continuation of efforts to combat climate change, and the collaboration on solutions to both international and regional challenges.

For additional information regarding the World Economic Forum, the annual gathering in Davos, and perspectives on future developments considering the evolving geopolitical landscape, the climate emergency, and the continuous progress of technology, please continue reading.

What is the World Economic Forum?

Based in Geneva, Switzerland, the World Economic Forum (WEF) is a global non-profit organization dedicated to fostering collaboration between the public and private sectors. Established in 1971 by German economist Klaus Schwab, the WEF aims to cultivate a culture of cooperative entrepreneurship to tackle worldwide challenges and influence governmental, industrial, and social policies.

In 2020, the WEF introduced a new Davos Manifesto, which formally aligns the organization with the principles of stakeholder capitalism. This philosophy asserts that a corporation should create value not only for its shareholders but also for all stakeholders involved, including employees, communities, and the environment. One of its primary objectives is to "improve the state of the world."

The WEF collaborates with numerous international organizations and corporations to implement initiatives that address pressing global issues. This year, the focus of these partnerships includes rethinking growth strategies, transforming industries in response to technological advancements, enhancing the skills of the workforce, protecting the environment, and rebuilding trust within and among communities.

What is the Davos agenda?

Davos extends beyond the keynote speeches. The gathering is renowned for the networking opportunities and social engagements that occur in hallways, auxiliary rooms, hotel accommodations, and dining establishments throughout the Alpine region. Approximately 2,500 delegates, along with numerous others, convene in Davos during this time, potentially constituting the most significant gathering of global decision-makers throughout the year.

Who attends Davos?

In 2024, the annual gathering attracted representatives from over 100 governments globally, alongside participants from all significant international organizations and WEF’s 1,000 partner companies. The event also included leaders from civil society, emerging leaders, top experts across various fields, social entrepreneurs, and media representatives.

Notable attendees comprised Antony Blinken, António Guterres, Emmanuel Macron, Jens Stoltenberg, and Ursula von der Leyen. The World Economic Forum counts approximately 1,000 corporations as members, each of which is permitted to send a limited number of key delegates to the meeting in Davos, determined by their membership level. Attendance is strictly by invitation only.

What’s on the Davos agenda for 2025?

This year, the theme for the World Economic Forum in Davos is “Collaboration for the Intelligent Age.” The agenda will focus on five interrelated priorities:

Reimagining growth. In light of current geopolitical and economic conditions, policymakers must explore new avenues for future growth. The digital economy currently represents nearly 16 percent of global GDP and has the potential to generate up to 70 percent of all new value in the global economy over the next ten years.

Industries in the intelligent age. Technology has emerged as the foremost catalyst for change and disruption across various business sectors. To fully leverage the multitude of opportunities available, leaders will require a new set of tools to facilitate adaptation for themselves and their organizations.

Investing in people. The rapid pace of technological advancement necessitates the reskilling and upskilling of the workforce to align with the demands of the future economy.

Safeguarding the planet. Collaborative efforts and discussions that promote investment and the implementation of innovative climate technologies are essential for advancing global climate and nature-related objectives. An increase in ambition, governance, partnerships, and financial resources will be crucial to achieving net-zero targets.

Rebuilding trust. As change accelerates, societal divisions have intensified as individuals worldwide strive to reaffirm their identities. To progress, stakeholders must discover new methods of collaboration—both on an international scale and within their own communities.

When is Davos 2025?

The meeting in Davos will take place from January 20 to 24, 2025.

The 2025 World Economic Forum in Davos promises to be a pivotal event, bringing together global leaders to address pressing challenges and seize unprecedented opportunities. With its focus on collaboration in the intelligent age, the forum will tackle key issues such as sustainable growth, technological transformation, climate action, and rebuilding trust across societies.

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As world leaders unite to forge innovative solutions, the discussions and partnerships formed at Davos will play a crucial role in shaping the future of our global economy and fostering positive change. The 2025 gathering represents a unique chance to collaborate and drive impactful progress worldwide.