The World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting 2025 took place in Davos, Switzerland, from 20-24th January, 2025. The WEF is a global gathering that brings together leaders from business, politics, civil society, and other leaders of society to shape global, regional, and industry agendas.
The Day 1 of the Annual Meeting in Davos started with the Crystal Awards and the Opening Concert. These awards celebrate the achievements of cultural leaders who have made significant contributions to advancing social, environmental and creative progress worldwide. Whereas the concert relates the best of music, electronic compositions and AI-generated visual experiences to an extraordinary event under the theme of preserving glaciers. Day 2 entailed a combination of sessions featuring tech CEOs and political heads that discussed diverse issues. Some of themes resonating were Industries in the Intelligent Age, The Future of Growth, The Geo-economics of Energy and Materials, and The Road to COP30 among others. The event also included Special Address by leaders such as President of the European Commission; Ms. Ursula von der Leyen, Vice-Premier of the People’s Republic of China; Mr. Ding Xuexiang, and President of South Africa; Mr. Cyril Ramaphosa among others. In her address, the President of the European Commission mentioned the importance of cooperation in the race of resources whether it’s AI, clean tech, quantum, and space etc. She stated that “We must look for new opportunities wherever they arise. This is the moment to engage beyond blocs and taboos. And Europe is ready to change”.
The Day 3 of the forum involved different sessions that brought together eminent personalities from different walks of life. With diverse sessions taking place throughout, day 3 unfolded discussions on themes such as; Towards Parity in Power, Emerging Economies Amid Shocks, Addressing Latin America’s fault-lines, and Chief Economist’s Briefing: What to Expect in 2025 among others. The session also included addresses by Prime Minister of Malaysia; Mr. Anwar Ibrahim, Antonio Guterres; Secretary-General of the UN, and Prime Minister of Spain Mr. Pedro Sanchez among others. Mr. Sanchez stated “I believe social media are now a common resource for humanity. Like the oceans. And that they should be protected and managed accordingly”. Additionally, leaders from ASEAN member countries articulated their vision and aspirations for a peaceful and thriving region that is preparing to take the lead in ushering into a new era of productivity and growth.
Thereafter, some of the sessions that took place on Day 4 included Defending Cyber Frontlines, Debating Technology, and Technology in the World among others. The highlights from the fourth day also included message from Pope Francis and dialogue with the President of the United States of America; Donald Trump. The President during his address stated that “America is back and open for business”. Subsequently, the concluding day at the forum included sessions such as Rewriting Development and Global Economic Outlook with the closing remarks to mark the end of the 55th Annual meeting in Davos, being conducted by the Forum’s President and CEO, Børge Brende, who reflected on the learnings and progress made from the fruitful sessions taking since the beginning of WEF 2025.
India at the WEF 2025
India secured significant investments during the five-day event that witnessed a large Indian delegation, including Union Ministers, Chief Ministers, and other state leaders. States like Maharashtra and Telangana signed several MoUs with the prospects of creating thousands of jobs. The Indian Pavilion at the forum also hosted a global discussion under the theme “India’s WASH Innovation: Driving Global Impact in Climate and Water Sustainability”. The session so organised, highlighted India’s transformative achievements in water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), emphasising their critical role in global climate resilience and sustainable development.
Furthermore, during a discussion on India’s Economic Blueprint, Minister of Railways and IT, Mr. Ashwini Vaishnaw presented that India’s economic strategy is built on four pillars: public investment in social, physical and digital infrastructure, focus on technology, manufacturing and innovation, inclusive growth and simplification.
