The World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2025 from January 20 to 24 will bring together close to 3,000 leaders from diverse geographies and industries supposed to drive dialogue, build trust and catalysise sustainable solutions to shared challenges. Heated discussions take place every year on how to meet the challenge of inequality between the developed and the emerging economies including poor nations, reports are released on the impending tasks, but in effect, nothing much concrete is done. The world continues to be more unequal as the technology advances more.

Significantly Donald Trump will take his oath on January 20 and the same day the five day session of the WEF begins. This will be the first global interaction of the new U.S. President after taking over and he is expected to take full advantage of this coming interaction with the global CEOs to explain his stand on the WEF theme of 2025 Çolla oration for an Intelligent Age’. The theme has special importance for Trump acolyte Tesla CEO Elon Musk who is helping the US President elect in drawing up the MAGA strategy for the Intelligent Age. The use of Artificial Intelligence in the developmental process and the industry is the key issue for discussion at the Forum conclave. Musk has special interest in this area. In all probability, the agenda to be proposed by Trump will be greatly influenced by Tesla CEO’s thinking.

In the U.S. politics, for long, the high tech companies including Google, Microsoft, Amazon and others were pro-Democrat but the situation is changing with carrot and stick policy of the Trump advisers. Mark Zuckerberg has already surrendered to the Trump c amp even before the inauguration by doing away with fact checking in Facebook and Instragram. Google is under tremendous pressure by Trump advisers. It will be intensified after January 20. It seems that Donald Trump in collaboration with Elon Musk wants to have remote control of social media platforms as also other new economy companies.

“Davos is unique in bringing together close to 3,000 decision makers from governments, business, and civil society at the beginning of the year to address the challenges of a world in deep transformation,” said Klaus Schwab, Founder and Chairman of the Board of Trustees, World Economic Forum. “Despite divergent positions and great uncertainties, the Annual Meeting 2025 will foster a spirit of cooperation and constructive optimism with the objective of shaping the forthcoming Intelligent Age in a more sustainable and inclusive way”, he said.

Over 1,600 business leaders, including over 900 of the world’s top CEOs and Chairs from the World Economic Forum’s Members and Partners, will also participate, over 120 of which are Global Innovators, Tech Pioneers and Unicorns who are transforming industries.

More than 170 leaders from civil society and the social sector – from labour unions, non-governmental organizations, religious and indigenous communities, as well as experts and heads of the world’s leading universities, research institutions and think tanks – will participate in the meeting. More than 160 members of the Forum’s Global Shapers, Young Global Leaders and Social Innovators will also attend to showcase local innovations and solutions to global challenges.

On the economy, the Future of Jobs Report 2025 explores how shifting global trends and new technologies are projected to generate 170 million new jobs by 2030 while displacing 92 million others – highlighting an urgent need to upskill workers worldwide. The Global Risks Report 2025, launching tomorrow, will identify the top risks for the short term as well as the next decade, while the latest Chief Economists Outlook will focus on expectations for the global economy in 2025.

On technology, the Global Cybersecurity Outlook 2025 highlights the increasing complexity in the cyber landscape due to a rapid growth of emerging technologies, geopolitical uncertainty as well as vulnerabilities in supply chain interdependencies and a growing cyber skills gap. The meeting will see the release of a new report series on artificial intelligence (AI) and its responsible adoption at scale across key industries and new research detailing practical strategies for inclusive AI development.

On climate, nature and energy, the meeting will build on the momentum from the three UN COPs on Climate, Land and Biodiversity in 2024 to scale the deployment of renewable energy, drive energy efficiencies while addressing energy demand, and protect and restore nature. The Forum will advance the work of key initiatives, including the Global Plastic Action Partnership, the Transitioning Industrial Clusters Initiative and the First Movers Coalition, and release new research outlining key strategies for industries and cities transitioning to a nature-positive future.

Though many government heads are attending the Davos conclave, Indian Prime Minister is not attending. India is being represented by a high level delegation led by the union minister of railways Ashwini Vaishnaw. Other senior ministers are also in the delegation. Bangladesh head of interim government Dr. Mohammad Yunus is attending. Presently, there is global interest in getting information about the situation in Bangladesh and the status of India-Bangladesh relations. That way Bangladesh will get some advantage in publicity due to the presence of its interim head. The Indian delegation has to be alert at Davos meet to counter any allegation made against India by Dr. Yunus.

Indian sources say that with WEF 2025's focus, India is at the forefront of exploring solutions across the five key work streams—Reimagining growth, Investing in People, Rebuilding trust, Industries in the Intelligent age, and Safeguarding the Planet. With an emphasis on fostering international partnerships and driving sustainable innovation, India’s participation at this prestigious gathering underscores its commitment to shaping a brighter, more interconnected future.

The delegation will also include high-level representatives from six Indian states — Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, and Kerala — who will showcase the region’s industrial advancements, investment opportunities, and success stories as part of India’s ongoing economic transformation.

The delegation will be participating in a series of panel discussions, roundtables, and Government-to-Business (G2B) and Government-to-Government (G2G) engagements at the prestigious Davos Congress Centre. The delegations will also contribute to sessions at India’s Pavilion, alongside other global political and business leaders covering the topics of Sustainability and Trust, Food Security, Economic Partnership Driving Investments, Infrastructure as Enabler, Supply Chain Diversification, Chemicals Investment Opportunity, Innovation and Technology Leadership, and AI for Process Transformation.

India will also be participating in the ‘AI and FDI: Challenges and Opportunities for Sustainable Investment’ session, which will be co-organized by Invest India & WAIPA and supported by World Investment for Development Alliance (WIDA), a global platform of 13 organizations that create synergies and maximize impact through joint advocacy and actions, focusing on promoting sustainable and inclusive investment.

More than 65 Indian business representatives will attend the 55th World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting in Davos, with several Indian companies setting up Lounges to showcase their offerings. The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce & Industry, will play a pivotal role by organizing sessions and media panels to highlight various aspects of India’s growth story.

Indian sources say India’s impressive economic growth continues to capture global attention, with significant strides across key sectors, solidifying its position as a leading player on the world stage. The country has achieved a major milestone, surpassing $1 trillion in foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows since April 2000. This accomplishment is further highlighted by a nearly 26% increase in FDI, which reached $42.1 billion in the fiscal year's first half. This upward trajectory underscores India’s growing appeal as a prime destination for global investment, driven by strategic policy initiatives, a thriving business ecosystem, and enhanced international competitiveness, the officials point out. (IPA Service)