Janice R. Andrews
The World Economic Forum (WEF) has returned to the snowy peaks of Davos, Switzerland, bringing together leaders from politics, business, and civil society to tackle the most pressing global challenges. Topics such as the wars in Ukraine and Gaza, climate change, and artificial intelligence (AI) are high on the agenda, but Donald Trump’s return to the presidency has taken the spotlight, shaping conversations at the five-day event.
A Global Summit Amid Rising Tensions
This year’s WEF meeting convenes nearly 3,000 leaders, including 60 heads of state and government from over 130 countries. Among the prominent attendees are German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, China’s Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. With the theme “Collaboration for the Intelligent Age,” the event aims to foster cooperation in a world marked by geopolitical turmoil and rapid technological change.
Borge Brende, WEF President, acknowledged the complexity of this year’s gathering. “This summit unfolds against one of the most challenging geopolitical backdrops in generations,” Brende remarked, citing economic instability, extreme weather events, and a surge in populist movements following a wave of contentious elections.
Donald Trump: The Centerpiece of Debate
Donald Trump’s virtual address at the WEF, delivered days after his second inauguration, has dominated discussions. Known for his unconventional policies and unpredictable strategies, Trump’s potential plans to reintroduce tariffs, disrupt trade partnerships, and reshape global alliances have sparked both concern and speculation.
Policymakers are particularly focused on how Trump’s proposed trade wars might affect global markets, with countries like Germany and China already facing economic struggles. “The previous Trump administration saw trade and investment grow, but today’s environment may lead to more nearshoring and friendshoring, which could disrupt supply chains,” Brende explained. Analysts are also scrutinizing his campaign promises, including an ambitious—albeit improbable—pledge to resolve the Russia-Ukraine conflict within a single day of taking office.
Geopolitical Hotspots in Focus
The war in Ukraine remains a critical topic, with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy attending in person to garner international support. While Trump’s vow to broker peace has been met with skepticism, it has reignited discussions on potential diplomatic pathways to end the conflict.
Simultaneously, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the escalating tensions in the Middle East are key concerns. Leaders from Israel, Palestine, and Syria are set to participate in dialogues aimed at de-escalating regional conflicts. The WEF’s annual risks report highlights state-based armed conflict as the top global threat in 2025, followed closely by geoeconomic confrontations, reflecting an increasingly divided world.
Ukraine’s Victor Pinchuk Foundation has emphasized the broader implications of the conflict, stating, “If Ukraine falls, global security, economic stability, and individual freedoms will face significant threats.” Events at Ukraine House aim to rally global solidarity in support of the embattled nation.
AI and the Rise of the ‘Intelligent Age’
With rapid advancements in AI, quantum computing, and other technologies, the WEF’s theme “Collaboration for the Intelligent Age” highlights the transformative impact of these innovations. AI, in particular, is poised to revolutionize industries like healthcare, education, and agriculture, but it also poses challenges, including widespread job displacement.
A recent WEF report predicts that by 2030, technological changes will create 170 million new jobs while displacing 92 million, necessitating large-scale upskilling efforts. Kathy Pham, a computer scientist and vice president at Workday, describes AI as a catalyst for a “skills revolution” that prioritizes human abilities such as creativity, empathy, and ethical decision-making.
Pham views Davos as a critical platform for addressing these changes. “We need open discussions on how the workforce will evolve in the face of AI, focusing on preparing societies for this technological shift,” she said, emphasizing the need for global cooperation.
Climate Crisis Demands Action
Extreme weather events and the urgency of combating climate change remain central to the Davos agenda. Delegates face the challenge of aligning economic growth with environmental responsibility, a task made more complex by geopolitical divisions. While there is consensus on the need for sustainable solutions, Trump’s previous skepticism toward climate initiatives has cast uncertainty on progress.
Global leaders are expected to discuss strategies to meet net-zero goals, with an emphasis on collaboration to mitigate the devastating effects of climate change. However, these efforts may face headwinds amidst a fractured international landscape.
A Divided World Seeks Common Ground
This year’s Davos reflects the fragmented state of global politics, with nations grappling with internal divisions, international conflicts, and the challenges of technological disruption. The return of Donald Trump, in particular, has sparked debates over nationalism versus multilateralism, challenging the WEF’s mission of fostering global collaboration.
Despite these challenges, the forum offers an opportunity for meaningful dialogue on the world’s most urgent issues. As leaders deliberate in Davos, the world watches closely, hoping for solutions that address immediate crises while charting a path toward a more stable and sustainable future.
For now, the snowy Alpine town remains a stage for global discourse, with Trump’s influence looming large over the proceedings.
