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Technology innovation is at the heart discussions at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2025. The annual meeting is is focusing on Reimagining Growth, Safeguarding the Planet, and Industries in the Intelligent Age among others.
President of the Democratic Republic of Congo Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo has announced at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2025 the creation of the world’s largest tropical forest reserve. The Kivu to Kinshasa Green Corridor Reserve will protect over 550,000 square kilometres of forest throughout the Congo River Basin.
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This historic, unprecedented initiative will transform not only our natural landscapes, but also the livelihoods of millions of our citizens,” he said, adding that the initiative goes far beyond environmental preservation and includes economic development.
As he prepares to assume the ASEAN chairmanship, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim expressed optimism about the 10-nation union’s future and Malaysia’s role in it. “The spirit of collaboration and esprit de corps between [ASEAN] leaders is unique,” he said, pointing to the contributions that closer regional integration in green energy has made to Malaysia’s emergence as a high-tech manufacturing powerhouse.
Anwar noted that while the US remained the largest single investor in Malaysia, the nation’s “closeness, investment and trade with China” are growing. Stressing the importance of dialogue over conflict, he remarked: “We don’t go to war or threaten – we discuss, get a little angry, but focus on economic fundamentals and move on.”
Reform of social media governance to curb cyber harassment
In a special address, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez called for a reform of social media governance across the European Union to curb misinformation and cyber harassment. He urged for stronger enforcement of the Digital Services Act and expanded powers for the European Centre for Algorithmic Transparency. He emphasized that “the values of the European Union are not for sale” and called for increased funding for research into social media algorithms to ensure Europe’s brightest minds address this critical challenge.
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres issued a stark warning about two escalating global threats: the unchecked expansion of artificial intelligence and the climate crisis. These challenges, he warned, pose unprecedented risks to humanity and demand immediate, unified action from governments and the private sector.
On artificial intelligence, Guterres acknowledged its immense potential but cautioned against the risks of leaving AI ungoverned. He emphasized the need for international collaboration, pointing to the Global Digital Compact adopted at the United Nations as a roadmap for harnessing digital technology responsibly.
“We must collaborate so that all countries and people benefit from AI’s promise and potential to support development and social and economic progress for all,” he said. He also called on the private sector not to backtrack on their climate commitments, and for governments to “keep their promise to produce new, economy-wide national climate action plans this year.”
About the Annual Meeting 2025
The World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2025, taking place in Davos-Klosters from 20 to 24 January, convenes global leaders under the theme Collaboration for the Intelligent Age. The meeting will foster new partnerships and insights to shape a more sustainable, inclusive future in an era of rapidly advancing technology, focusing on five key areas: Reimagining Growth, Industries in the Intelligent Age, Investing in People, Safeguarding the Planet, and Rebuilding Trust. Click here to learn more.
