The World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting 2025 is taking 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 forum was established in 1971 as a not-for-profit foundation with the aim of upholding the highest standards of governance, moral, and intellectual integrity.
Highlights of the WEF 2025
Every year the forum sets the theme for the Annual Meeting that eventually sets the platform for a meaningful connection between stakeholders to establish trust, and build initiatives for cooperation and progress. For the year 2025, leaders from around the globe have convened under the theme “Collaboration for the Intelligent Age” that is centred on the following priorities;
- Rebuilding trust
- Reimagining growth
- Safeguarding planet
- Industries in the intelligent age, and
- Investing in people Economic
The Day 1 of the Annual Meeting in Davos started with the Crystal Awards. These awards celebrate the achievements of cultural leaders who have made significant contributions to advancing social, environmental and creative progress worldwide. This year’s three exceptional Cultural leaders were recognized for their work to challenge conventional thinking, spark change and envisioning a more inclusive world. The recipients are UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and global advocate for children’s rights David Beckham, fashion designer, philanthropist and champion of women’s rights Diane von Furstenberg and architect, social activist, and 2024 Pritzker Prize laureate Riken Yamamoto.
The Day 1 also witnessed an opening concert that relates the best of music, electronic compositions and AI-generated visual experiences to an extraordinary event under the theme of preserving glaciers. In line with UN’s declaration of 2025 as the International Year of Glacier Preservation, the concerts highlighted the urgent environmental crisis facing Antarctica. Some early perspectives from media leaders on what lies ahead on the US Inauguration Day were also discussed.
Thereafter, 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; Ursula von der Leyen, Vice-Premier of the People’s Republic of China; Ding Xuexiang, and President of South Africa; 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 Special Address by the South African President focused on the significance of the G20 2025 summit that is being held in the country for the first time. He stated that “The mission of the G20 in South Africa will focus on three themes; solidarity, inequality and sustainable development”. Furthermore, in a session on Diplomacy and Disorder, Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister joined ministers from around the world to discuss the diplomatic approaches that the leaders can take to address immediate security and economic challenges while also advance progress on long-term global priorities.
India’s Presence at the Forum
The Indian delegation at the much coveted Forum comprised of key ministers and representatives from the Indian Government and States including Minister of Railways, Information& Broadcasting, and Electronics & Information Technology Mr. Ashwini Vaishnaw, Minister of Jal Shakti Mr. C.R Patil, Minister of Civil Aviation Mr. K. Rammohan Naidu, Minister of Food Processing Industries, Mr. Chirag Paswan and Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship Mr. Jayant Chaudhary. In addition, over 65 Indian representatives attended the meeting, with various Indian companies setting-up lounges to showcase their offerings. The pavilion sets by the Indian delegation housed lounges and meeting rooms for Union Ministers, Central government departments and State governments.
Representatives from six Indian states; Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh Kerala, and Telangana are present to highlight the regional industrial advancements and investment opportunities. Moreover, Maharashtra signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) for investments in steel, renewable energy, and infrastructure among others.
With a focus on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Frontier technologies, Digital revolution and Inclusive Growth and Renewable Energy and Sustainability, India’s participation aims to strengthen partnerships, attract investments, and posit the country as a global leader in sustainable development and technological innovation.
