KUWAIT: The 2025 Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) took place from January 20-24 in the picturesque town of Davos, Switzerland. Kuwait’s Minister of Finance and Minister of State for Economic Affairs and Investments Noura Sulaiman Al-Fassam represented HH the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah at the forum.
This year’s event, which attracted nearly 3,000 participants from over 130 countries, was convened under the theme “Collaboration for the Intelligent Age.” The gathering brought together global leaders from business, government, academia, and civil society to address the most pressing challenges and opportunities facing the world.
Key themes at Davos 2025
Davos 2025 featured in-depth discussions around five core themes that are critical to navigating the complexities of the modern world:
Reimagining growth
As global economies continue to recover and evolve post-pandemic, the focus was on redefining growth in a way that is more inclusive, sustainable and future-oriented. Policymakers and industry leaders explored new pathways for economic development, moving beyond traditional metrics to consider environmental and social impact as essential components of growth.
Industries in the intelligent age
The rapid acceleration of technology, especially artificial intelligence (AI), is reshaping industries across the globe. At Davos 2025, conversations revolved around how businesses can adapt and thrive in this “intelligent age.” Discussions covered AI-driven innovations, automation, and the future of work, emphasizing the importance of aligning technological advancements with societal needs.
Investing in people
One of the central pillars of Davos 2025 was the recognition that human capital is the key to long-term prosperity. With the world undergoing significant technological and economic transitions, there was a strong focus on investing in people — especially in terms of education, skill-building, and healthcare. Leaders discussed how to equip the global workforce with the tools and knowledge needed for the jobs of tomorrow, while also ensuring equitable access to these opportunities.
Safeguarding the planet
Climate change and environmental sustainability remained top priorities at Davos 2025. With the planet facing unprecedented ecological challenges, the forum centered on solutions for preserving the environment while fostering economic growth. Discussions included renewable energy transitions, carbon-neutral policies, and the need for stronger global collaboration to address environmental degradation and protect future generations.
Rebuilding trust
In a world marked by increasing polarization, misinformation, and global crises, rebuilding trust between institutions and the public was a major topic at Davos 2025. Participants emphasized the need for greater transparency, accountability, and ethical leadership across sectors. Strengthening trust is seen as essential to driving collective action on the most urgent global issues, from public health to climate change.
Collaborative approach
The theme of “Collaboration for the Intelligent Age” underscored the need for a collective, cross-sectoral approach to solving global challenges. In a rapidly changing world, no single nation, corporation, or institution can solve these problems in isolation. Throughout the week, there was a clear call for increased cooperation between governments, businesses, and civil society to tackle shared challenges and build a sustainable, resilient future.
Kuwait’s participation
Kuwait, with its strategic position in the Gulf region and its ongoing efforts to diversify its economy, played an active and influential role in the discussions at Davos 2025. The country participated in the forum in several key ways:
Economic diversification efforts
Kuwait has been actively working to reduce its dependence on oil by fostering new sectors such as technology, finance, and green energy. Davos provided a unique platform for Kuwait to present its Vision 2035 initiatives, which aim to transform the economy into a knowledge-based and diversified one. The discussions on “Reimagining Growth” offer Kuwait an opportunity to share its progress in these areas and attract international investments and partnerships.
Intelligent age discussions
As the world increasingly shifts toward AI and automation, Kuwait engaged in round table discussions focused on the future of industries in the intelligent age. Kuwait’s growing interest in smart cities, digital transformation, and technological innovation positions it as a key player in discussions on how to harness AI for national development. Participation in these discussions will allow Kuwait to learn from global best practices and form partnerships that can accelerate its own technological infrastructure.
Investing in human capital
One of the most critical themes at Davos 2025 was the focus on investing in people, which aligns with Kuwait’s goals of improving its education system and preparing its workforce for the jobs of the future. Kuwait participated in panels about skill-building, educational reforms, and workforce development, where it can both showcase its efforts in human capital development and gain insights into successful strategies from other nations.
Sustainability and green energy
Given Kuwait’s commitment to transitioning towards a more sustainable future, the discussions on safeguarding the planet present a significant opportunity for the country to showcase its green energy projects, including renewable energy and energy efficiency initiatives. Kuwait engaged in conversations about climate change, carbon-neutral policies, and environmental conservation, positioning itself as a leader in sustainable development in the region.
Strengthening global partnerships
Davos 2025 provided Kuwait with the chance to strengthen its relationships with key global stakeholders, from multinational corporations to governments and international organizations. By engaging in dialogues around rebuilding trust and international cooperation, Kuwait reaffirmed its commitment to peace-building and regional stability while expanding its role in addressing global challenges.
Boosting Kuwait’s global influence
With its increasing influence in regional politics and economics, Kuwait leveraged its participation in Davos 2025 to enhance its diplomatic footprint on the global stage. By aligning itself with global initiatives and advocating for regional stability, economic cooperation, and climate action, Kuwait solidified its position as a key actor in international discussions.
Looking ahead
Davos 2025 was a testament to the power of global collaboration in addressing complex issues. As participants engaged in meaningful dialogue and forged new partnerships, it became evident that the world is at a crossroads. The decisions made and actions taken in the coming years will shape the future of the global economy, society, and planet. The emphasis on intelligent collaboration, innovation, and trust will be critical to ensuring a prosperous and sustainable future for all.
In conclusion, the World Economic Forum’s Davos 2025 served as a pivotal moment for global leaders to come together, share insights, and create a roadmap for the challenges and opportunities of the future. With the theme “Collaboration for the Intelligent Age” as a guiding principle, the forum highlighted the importance of working together to shape a more inclusive, sustainable, and technologically advanced world. Kuwait’s active participation in these discussions provided valuable opportunities for the country to showcase its growth trajectory and form meaningful international partnerships for the future.