The WEF Annual Meeting at Davos 2025 brought together leaders to explore the most pressing global issues and technological advancements shaping our future. Discussions covered AI, quantum computing, energy, and more, offering solutions for building an intelligent future centered around people.
Thales Dantas, Project Architect at PreScouter, attended Davos 2025 and gathered key takeaways from open and closed sessions, covering three core pillars:
- Accelerating climate action
- Transforming industries with technology
- Reinventing economic growth
Investment in clean energy is outpacing fossil fuels:
According to Simon Stiell, Executive Secretary of UN Climate Change, “For every $1 invested in fossil fuels, approximately $2 is invested in renewable/clean energy transition globally.”
This shows that the momentum towards clean energy investments remains strong despite policy changes, with over $2 trillion directed toward renewable energy in 2024. Businesses and governments recognize that prioritizing renewables secures long-term energy stability and financial returns.
Energy access disparities slow the green transition:
Sub-Saharan Africa, with 60% of the world’s solar potential, generates less electricity than the Netherlands. Limited infrastructure and financial constraints prevent equitable access to clean energy resources. Addressing these gaps requires targeted funding, policy reforms, and regional partnerships to enhance energy reliability.
Limited investment slows agricultural sustainability:
Agriculture contributes between 10% and 20% of global CO₂ emissions but receives only 4% of climate-related financial support. Sustainable practices, including biochar application and tree planting on unused farmland, could reduce emissions by over 25 billion metric tons by 2050. Shifting financial priorities toward agricultural innovation can strengthen food security and support emission reductions.
AI investment requires strong foundations:
Many companies struggle to scale AI due to outdated systems and unstructured data. Around 74% of businesses face challenges in expanding AI-driven initiatives, while only 16% are prepared for large-scale AI adoption. Moving enterprise data to cloud environments and building technical expertise can improve AI integration across industries.
Technology can lower industrial costs:
AI-driven predictive maintenance is reducing operational expenses and energy waste across sectors. Corrosion-related damage costs industries $3 trillion annually, but AI-powered monitoring systems can extend equipment lifespan. Companies prioritizing these technologies gain cost advantages while addressing energy efficiency concerns.
Circular manufacturing improves sustainability:
Manufacturers are integrating circular economy principles to minimize resource waste. IKEA has adopted digital tools to optimize materials, lowering waste while maintaining production efficiency. Smart technologies like IoT and AI enable industries to reuse materials, reducing dependence on raw resources.
Jesper Brodin, CEO of IKEA, claims, “Smart manufacturing isn’t just about increasing output—it’s about doing so responsibly. By integrating circular principles, we’ve reduced waste and built systems that are both agile and sustainable.”
Regulatory adaptability strengthens financial resilience:
Economic policies must evolve to support financial stability and new business models. Regulatory reforms help industries navigate inflation, inequality, and changing trade dynamics. Modern frameworks should balance economic expansion with financial security, ensuring stability for businesses and consumers.
Diversity in leadership increases economic potential:
Gender parity in the workforce can expand global GDP by 20%. Inclusive policies create stronger labor markets by promoting equal opportunities across industries. Companies with diverse leadership structures perform better, driving productivity and long-term stability.
Infrastructure investment fuels economic transformation:
Global infrastructure requires $3.3 trillion in investments to meet growing demands. Energy, digital, and transport systems must be improved to support sustainable development. Strategic funding can strengthen supply chains, improve connectivity, and accelerate economic progress.
