- The World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting takes place in Davos from 20-24 January 2025.
- Here’s a snapshot of everything you need to know about Day 2 of Davos 2025.
On the second day of the World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting in Davos, here’s a rundown of what to expect, the key sessions to watch, essential reading and live coverage of the session highlights.
Enjoy!
Latest highlights on the meeting themes from Davos 2025
Updated
Sessions to watch
All times below are in GMT+1.
Accenture Chair and CEO Julie Sweet and Amazon Web Services CEO Matt Garman join a panel to discuss what is needed to go beyond AI’s promise of revolutionizing industries and tap into the technology’s potential.
In answer to a question on whether governments should use AI more to solve societal problems, Julie Sweet stressed the potential for AI to help with – for example – health, public services and addressing food insecurity.
She said, “there’s a real change in the way that governments can serve citizens. So there’s a lot of opportunity with government.”
Speaking on jobs, Sanofi’s Paul Hudson explained how “AI doesn’t beat human plus AI” – and sees significant positive possibilities for the technology.”
09:30 – The Future of Growth
How do we transition from the growth we have to the growth we need? Find out from this expert panel, including Adena Friedman, Chair and CEO, Nasdaq and former US Secretary of the Treasury, Larry Summers.
Friedman spoke about the significance of regulation to either foster or inhibit growth – particularly pertinent as the world eyes Trump-02’s significant economic and trade-related policy shifts. She spoke of the need for a “policy balancing act”.
IEA Executive Director, Fatih Birol, joined leaders from politics and business to discuss where leaders should focus their attention to effectively shape the geoeconomics of energy and materials.
Birol explained why the energy securities of today need to be distinct from an understanding of the energy securities of tomorrow and pressed for the need to diversify. He said, “The magic word for energy security is diversification”.
09:30 – Road to COP30
What is on the agenda for COP30 in Brazil and how can all stakeholder groups unlock a new era for collaboration on climate and nature? Join Simon Stiell,Ex ecutive Secretary, United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), to find out.
Klaus Schwab, the Forum’s Founder and Chairman, joined Forum President and CEO Børge Brende and Karin Keller-Sutter, President of the Swiss Confederation 2025 to deliver their welcoming remarks.
Brende gave context for the Annual Meeting, highlighting how it takes place at one of the most “uncertain times in generations”.
Europe’s role in the shifting geopolitical order was top of mind during von der Leyen’s address. She said, “from AI to clean tech, from quantum to space… the race is on”, as she outlined the importance of cooperation in the race for resources.
WTO Director-General, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, joins a panel of experts to discuss what steps can leaders take to not only navigate today’s economic landscape but also find paths to economic cooperation.
13:00 – Investing in Women’s Health
What innovations are needed to make women’s health a lasting global priority? Catherine Russell, Executive Director of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) joins Anita Zaidi, President, Gender Equality, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and leaders from politics and business to discuss.
15:00 – Diplomacy amid Disorder
Qatar’s Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs joins ministers from around the world to discuss the diplomatic approaches leaders can take to address immediate security and economic challenges while advancing progress on long-term global priorities.
16:15 – US Economy in 2025
What’s in store for the world’s largest economy this year? Brian Moynihan, Chair and CEO of Bank of America, joins Rich Lesser, Global Chair, Boston Consulting Group (BCG), James Quincey, Chairman and CEO, The Coca-Cola Company and Vicki Hollub, President and CEO of Occidental, to discuss.
17:30 – Spotlight on Workers
Strikes, talent shortages and disruptions have persisted in key industries in 2024. Join leaders from business and politics to discover how they can work together to drive stronger growth for business and the workers of today and tomorrow.
17:30 – Africa’s Economy: Young and Fast
The African Free Trade Continental Area (AfCFTA) promises an abundance of renewable energy sources and a boom in innovation hubs. The President of Botswana, Duma Gideon Boko, joins Wamkele Keabetswe Mene, Secretary-General of the African Continental Free Trade Area Secretariat to discuss.
https://www.weforum.org/stories/2025/01/davos-2025-day-2-what-to-know/
