Leaders Convene at WEF 2025 To Shape "The Intelligent Age"
This year’s edition of the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting will bring together approximately 3,000 leaders from over 130 countries to address global uncertainties.
As this year’s edition of the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting gets underway in Davos-Klosters, Switzerland, from January 20-24, 2025, more than 3,000 leaders from over 130 countries are set to convene at the event that’s being staged under the theme, "Collaboration for the Intelligent Age."
The event, which focuses on fostering partnerships and insights to address key global challenges amid rapid technological advancements, is set to emphasize on five core areas in its current iteration: “reimagining growth, industries in the intelligent age, investing in people, safeguarding the planet, and rebuilding trust.”
A WEF press release noted that while the event is occurring against a backdrop of "geo-economic uncertainty, trade tensions, cultural polarization, and climate anxiety," it still aims to present opportunities through advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), quantum computing, and biotechnology. Participation spans various sectors, industries, generations, and genders to ensure inclusive discussions and solutions.
Among the 350 governmental leaders expected, 60 heads of state and government will attend, including Donald J. Trump, President-Elect of the US, (who will join via a live video link), Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, Olaf Scholz, Chancellor of Germany, Ding Xuexiang, Vice-Premier of China, Javier Milei, President of Argentina, Cyril Ramaphosa, President of South Africa, and others.
The Middle East will have a significant presence at the WEF, reflecting the region’s increasing influence in global discussions, with talks addressing ongoing regional conflicts and future opportunities. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is expected to be a key focus, with both Israeli president Isaac Herzog and Palestinian prime minister Mohammed Mustafa speaking at the event. In addition, regional geopolitical issues will be discussed, with Iranian vice president Mohammed Reza Aref and the UN’s special envoy for Yemen, Hans Grundberg, also participating in separate sessions on their respective regions.
In addition, over 1,600 business leaders, including 900 CEOs and chairs from the Forum’s members and partners, will attend, alongside 120 global innovators, tech pioneers, and unicorns working on industry transformation. In addition, over 170 representatives from civil society, labor unions, religious and indigenous communities, and academia will participate. Members of the Forum’s communities, including the Community of Global Shapers and the Forum of Young Global Leaders, will also showcase solutions to global challenges.
