Open Forum Davos 2025: Theme, Participants, Top Investments and Day-wise Key Highlights

The Open Forum Davos is a significant public event associated with the World Economic Forum (WEF), allowing broader participation in discussions among global leaders. In 2025, it will be held from January 20 to 24 in Davos, Switzerland. 

This year’s theme is “Collaboration for the Intelligent Age,” focusing on critical issues like reimagining growth, investing in people, and safeguarding the planet.

Participants include around 3,000 leaders from over 130 countries, featuring more than 350 governmental leaders and numerous business executives. Notable attendees will include heads of state and influential figures from various sectors.

In this article, we will cover the key highlights of the event, including major investments discussed, daily agendas, and insights from participants.

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What is the Open Forum Davos?

Source: Indian Flash

The Open Forum Davos is a public event organised by the World Economic Forum (WEF) that allows a broader audience to engage in discussions typically reserved for decision-makers in politics, business, academia, and civil society.

Key Features of the Open Forum

  • Public Participation: The Open Forum is designed to be inclusive, enabling members of the public to attend and engage with thought leaders. Registration is required, but attendance is free of charge.
  • Event Location and Timing: The forum takes place at the Schweizerische Alpine Mittelschule in Davos, Switzerland, coinciding with the WEF’s Annual Meeting. For 2025, it is scheduled for January 24.
  • Discussion Topics: The sessions cover a wide range of topics, including geopolitics, economics, environmental issues, and the role of science in society. Each year features different themes; for instance, the 2024 forum will focus on “From Lab to Life: Science in Action.”
  • Format: The event consists of panel discussions and interactive sessions where participants can engage with experts and leaders on various issues affecting the world today.
  • Accessibility: The Open Forum is open to media representatives as well, allowing journalists to cover discussions and share insights with a wider audience.

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When and Where is Open Forum Davos 2025 Held?

The 2025 Open Forum Davos is being held in Davos, Switzerland, from January 20 to 24, 2025.

This event coincides with the Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF), which is also taking place in Davos during the same dates.

Who are the Participants at Open Forum Davos 2025?

Source: L’Express

The 2025 Open Forum at Davos, part of the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting, features a diverse array of key participants from various countries. 

The event, held from January 20 to 24, 2025, is themed “Collaboration for the Intelligent Age” and aims to address pressing global issues.

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Key Political Leaders

Among the notable attendees are:

  • Donald J. Trump – President-elect of the United States (participating via live video link)
  • Ursula von der Leyen – President of the European Commission
  • Ding Xuexiang – Vice-Premier of China
  • Javier Milei – President of Argentina
  • Olaf Scholz – Chancellor of Germany
  • Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa – President of South Africa
  • Pedro Sánchez – Prime Minister of Spain
  • Volodymyr Zelenskyy – President of Ukraine

Additional leaders include:

  • Karin Keller-Sutter – President of Switzerland
  • Muhammad Yunus – Chief Adviser of Bangladesh
  • Isaac Herzog – President of Israel
  • Anwar Ibrahim – Prime Minister of Malaysia
  • Tharman Shanmugaratnam – President of Singapore

Heads of International Organizations

Key figures from international organisations participating in the forum include:

  • António Guterres – Secretary-General of the United Nations
  • Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala – Director-General of the World Trade Organization
  • Kristalina Georgieva – Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund
  • Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus – Director-General of the World Health Organization

Summary

Name

Position

Ursula von der Leyen

President of the European Commission

Ding Xuexiang

Vice-Premier of the People’s Republic of China

Olaf Scholz

Federal Chancellor of Germany

Cyril Ramaphosa

President of South Africa

Volodymyr Zelenskyy

President of Ukraine

Pham Minh Chinh

Prime Minister of Viet Nam

Isaac Herzog

President of Israel

Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani

Prime Minister of Qatar

Anwar Ibrahim

Prime Minister of Malaysia

Pedro Sánchez

Prime Minister of Spain

Javier Milei

President of Argentina

Donald Trump

President of the United States of America

Roberta Metsola

President of the European Parliament

Karin Keller-Sutter

President of the Swiss Confederation

Nikol Pashinyan

Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia

Ilham Aliyev

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan

Alexander De Croo

Prime Minister of Belgium

Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo

President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Jose Raul Mulino

President of Panama

Mostafa Madbouli

Prime Minister of Egypt

Abdulatif Rashid

President of Iraq

Varsen Aghabekian

Palestinian Authority Foreign Affairs Minister

Simon Harris

Taoiseach of Ireland

Dick Schoof

Prime Minister of the Netherlands

Dina Ercilia Boluarte

President of Peru

Andrzej Duda

President of Poland

Aleksandar Vučić

President of Serbia

Tharman Shanmugaratnam

President of Singapore

Ulf Kristersson

Prime Minister of Sweden

Asaad Hassan Al Shibani

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Syria

Paetongtarn Shinawatra

Prime Minister of Thailand

Hassan Sheikh Mohamud

President of Somalia

António Guterres

Secretary General of the United Nations

Business and Civil Society Leaders

The forum will also host over 1,600 business leaders, including more than 900 CEOs and chairs from prominent global companies. 

Additionally, representatives from civil society, including labour unions and NGOs, will contribute to discussions aimed at fostering innovative solutions to global challenges.

This year’s gathering is particularly significant as it brings together approximately 3,000 leaders from over 130 countries, emphasising a broad representation across sectors and regions.

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Theme and Agenda of Open Forum Davos 2025

The theme for the Open Forum Davos 2025 is “Collaboration for the Intelligent Age,” which revolves around five key pillars:

  • Reimagining Growth: This theme focuses on exploring new avenues for sustainable economic growth, particularly in light of current geopolitical and economic challenges.
  • Rebuilding Trust: As societal divisions deepen, this theme emphasises the need for new methods of collaboration to restore trust among communities and nations.
  • Safeguarding the Planet: Discussions will centre on innovative climate solutions and the importance of collaborative efforts to meet global climate goals.
  • Industries in the Intelligent Age: This theme addresses the transformative impact of technology, particularly artificial intelligence, on various sectors and the need for adaptation.
  • Investing in People: Recognizing the rapid pace of technological change, this theme highlights the importance of reskilling and upskilling the workforce to meet future demands.

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What are the Top Investments Expected to be Discussed at the 2025 Open Forum Davos?

The 2025 World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos is focusing on several key investment themes and opportunities, particularly emphasising collaboration across various sectors. Here are the main areas expected to be discussed:

Key Investment Themes

  • Reimagining Growth: This theme addresses the need for new economic models that foster sustainable and inclusive growth, particularly in light of global challenges such as geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainties.
  • Investing in People: Discussions will centre around human capital development, emphasising jobs, health, and inclusion. This includes strategies for enhancing workforce skills and ensuring equitable access to opportunities.
  • Safeguarding the Planet: Environmental sustainability is a critical focus, with discussions on how investments can be aligned with climate goals and biodiversity preservation. The degradation of natural resources is a pressing concern, with significant emphasis on sustainable practices.
  • Industries in the Intelligent Age: The role of technology, particularly AI and digital transformation in various industries, will be highlighted. This includes exploring how technological advancements can drive productivity while addressing societal challenges.
  • Collaboration for the Intelligent Age: The overarching theme of the forum encourages cross-sector collaboration to tackle complex global issues through innovative solutions and partnerships.

Sector-Specific Investment Opportunities from India

Source: India Today

India’s participation at Davos 2025 is notable, with a focus on attracting foreign investment across several key sectors:

  • Ports and Logistics
  • IT & Electronics
  • Aerospace & Defence
  • Automobile and Electric Vehicles (EV)
  • Textiles & Apparel
  • Renewable Energy
  • Agriculture & Food Processing
  • Biotech and Pharmaceuticals

India aims to showcase its economic progress and policy stability through its largest-ever delegation at the WEF, which includes various state representatives and industry leaders.

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Day-Wise Key Highlights of Open Forum Davos 2025

The day-wise key highlights for the Open Forum Davos 2025 are as follows:

Day 1: January 20, 2025

  • Opening Ceremony: The World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting commenced with a focus on cultural leadership, honouring David Beckham, Diane von Furstenberg, and Riken Yamamoto at the Crystal Awards ceremony.
  • Key Sessions: Notable discussions included perspectives on the new U.S. administration following Donald Trump’s inauguration and a session on supporting individuals with disabilities in education and employment.

Launches:

  • The report “Open But Secure: Europe’s Path to Strategic Interdependence” was unveiled, focusing on Europe’s strategic positioning in a multipolar world.
  • The signing of the Indonesia Jobs Accelerator aimed at enhancing job creation and economic opportunities was announced.

Day 2: January 21, 2025

Keynote Addresses:

  • Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, spoke about EU initiatives at 10 AM.
  • Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang followed at 11:20 AM, addressing global economic cooperation.
  • Focus on Economic Growth: A panel featuring leaders like Adena Friedman discussed transitioning from current growth models to sustainable ones.
  • AI Governance Alliance Launch: The AI Governance Alliance introduced a series of white papers on AI’s impact across industries, emphasising its transformative potential.

Day 3: January 22, 2025

Source: The Guardian

Global Security Discussions:

  • Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy advocated for international support amid ongoing conflict with Russia during his address.
  • South African President Cyril Ramaphosa highlighted Africa’s economic potential and the role of renewable energy in driving growth.
  • Environmental Risks Report: The WEF’s annual report underscored escalating environmental risks and called for collaborative efforts to address climate challenges.

Day 4: January 23, 2025

  • Donald Trump’s Address: Trump delivered his first major speech at the WEF, discussing tariffs and strategies to end the Ukraine war. He emphasised collaboration with global leaders to tackle pressing issues.
  • Women’s Health Innovations: A session focused on improving women’s health as a global priority featured leaders from UNICEF and the Gates Foundation discussing necessary innovations in healthcare delivery.

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Who Are the Key Indian Leaders Attending the Open Forum Davos?

India is making a significant presence at the World Economic Forum (WEF) 2025 in Davos, Switzerland, with its largest-ever delegation. Key leaders attending include:

Union Ministers

Source: Business Today

  • Ashwini Vaishnaw – Minister for Railways, Information and Broadcasting, Electronics and IT; he is leading the Indian delegation.
  • C.R. Patil – Minister of Jal Shakti.
  • Chirag Paswan – Minister of Food Processing Industries.
  • Jayant Chaudhary – Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare.
  • K. Ram Mohan Naidu – Minister of Civil Aviation.

Chief Ministers

  • Devendra Fadnavis – Chief Minister of Maharashtra, focusing on signing MoUs for various sectors including data centres and electric vehicles.
  • N. Chandrababu Naidu – Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, promoting “Brand AP” to attract investments.
  • A. Revanth Reddy – Chief Minister of Telangana, emphasizing sectors like electric vehicles and infrastructure.

Other Notable Participants

Nearly 100 CEOs and leaders from various sectors are also part of this delegation, showcasing India’s economic potential and seeking global investment opportunities.

What Are the Main Topics the Indian Leaders Will Discuss at the Open Forum Davos?

Source: Moneycontrol

Indian leaders at the Open Forum in Davos are expected to focus on several key topics that align with the broader themes of the World Economic Forum (WEF) 2025. The main areas of discussion include:

1. Investment Opportunities and Economic Growth

Indian states are showcasing their potential for attracting global investments, emphasising sectors such as ports and logistics, IT and electronics, renewable energy, and biotechnology. The aim is to highlight India’s economic progress and policy stability under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership.

2. Collaboration for the Intelligent Age

The overarching theme for Davos 2025 is “Collaboration for the Intelligent Age,” which includes sub-themes like reimagining growth and safeguarding the planet. Discussions will revolve around how to foster innovation while addressing societal challenges, particularly through the lens of technology.

3. Sustainability and Clean Energy Transition

India is positioning itself as a leader in the global transition to clean energy, discussing strategies to balance economic growth with ecological responsibility. This includes initiatives related to renewable energy sources, such as solar power and green hydrogen, as well as commitments to achieving net-zero emissions by 2070.

4. Digital Infrastructure and Technology

The role of technology in enhancing democratic processes and governance will be a significant topic. Indian leaders will discuss advancements in digital infrastructure that improve electoral processes, reflecting on how technology can democratise access and information.

5. Global Challenges and Resilience

Leaders will address global economic headwinds and structural challenges facing India, exploring how the country can emerge as one of the world’s leading economies amidst these challenges. This includes discussions on maintaining economic momentum in light of demographic changes, particularly with a large youth population.

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