The World Economic Forum’s annual meeting in Davos concluded on Thursday, January 23, 2025. Global leaders in business, technology, and politics convened to discuss critical issues shaping the future. This article summarizes the key takeaways from the final day of Davos 2025, covering topics ranging from Donald Trump’s virtual address to the potential impact of AI on the workforce.
Table Content:
- Day 4: A Softer Start and Notable Encounters
- Trump’s Virtual Address: A Mixed Reception
- The Rise of AI Agents and the Future of Management
- Global Trade and the Threat of Tariffs
- DEI Initiatives: Focusing on the Business Case for Survival
- Looking Ahead: Davos 2026 and the Tech IPO Landscape
- The Potential Impact of AI on the Gender Gap
- Uber’s Ambitious Delivery Goals
Attendees at the World Economic Forum in Davos on January 23, 2025.
Day 4: A Softer Start and Notable Encounters
The final day began with shorter security lines at the Congress Center, hinting at the late-night gatherings that characterized Davos. Business Insider journalists spent the previous evening networking with influential figures, including Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi, who emphasized the value of connections forged at Davos. A highlight was J.P. Morgan CEO Jamie Dimon’s annual reception at the Kirchner Museum, where attendees had the opportunity to interact with Dimon, his leadership team, and prominent figures like former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair and J.P. Morgan Asset Management CEO Mary Callahan Erdoes.
Business Insider's journalists met J.P. Morgan CEO Jamie Dimon (left), former British Prime Minister Tony Blair (center), and Mary Callahan Erdoes, J.P. Morgan Asset Management CEO Mary Callahan Erdoes (right).
Trump’s Virtual Address: A Mixed Reception
Former President Donald Trump’s virtual address drew a capacity crowd to the 700-seater hall. His speech, which criticized EU regulations and echoed campaign rhetoric, elicited a range of responses, from laughter to complete silence. The address sparked controversy, with some attendees reportedly walking out in protest.
The hall was packed for Donald Trump's address at Davos.
The Rise of AI Agents and the Future of Management
The increasing prevalence of AI agents in the workplace raised concerns about their management and governance. Lattice CEO Sarah Franklin discussed the company’s decision to provide AI workers with official employment records, highlighting the need for new frameworks to manage this emerging workforce. ManpowerGroup’s chief commercial officer, Becky Frankiewicz, confirmed that business leaders are actively exploring ways to govern AI agents, with some consulting firms already contemplating the need for managers specifically for AI.
Global Trade and the Threat of Tariffs
Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, director-general of the World Trade Organization, cautioned against the potential for retaliatory tariffs triggered by former President Trump’s policies. She warned that a tariff war could lead to catastrophic global GDP losses, emphasizing the interconnectedness of the global economy and the potential for widespread economic damage.
DEI Initiatives: Focusing on the Business Case for Survival
Despite the changing political landscape and potential challenges to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, Mary Ellen Iskenderian, president and CEO of Women’s World Banking, remained optimistic. She stressed the importance of framing DEI efforts within a business context, highlighting the potential for improved financial performance and client retention through inclusive practices.
Smriti Irani, a former Indian cabinet minister and the founder of the Alliance for Global Good, Gender Equality, and Equity, met with BI's Spriha Srivastava.
Looking Ahead: Davos 2026 and the Tech IPO Landscape
As Davos 2025 concluded, planning for the 2026 event was already underway, with companies securing spaces and event organizers making preparations. Bankers at Davos predicted a resurgence of tech IPOs in March, driven by private equity firms seeking liquidity and a growing appetite for alpha among active managers.
The Potential Impact of AI on the Gender Gap
The transformative potential of AI also raised concerns about its impact on the gender gap. Smriti Irani, founder of the Alliance for Global Good, Gender Equality, and Equity, highlighted the risk of AI algorithms perpetuating existing biases due to the data used for training. She also emphasized the vulnerability of women in low-income countries to job displacement due to automation, raising questions about the equitable distribution of AI’s benefits.
Uber’s Ambitious Delivery Goals
Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi outlined the company’s ambition to “out-Amazon Amazon” by empowering local merchants through its same-day delivery network. He expressed optimism about the business environment, citing a renewed sense of momentum among leaders following the change in administration.
Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi held a Q&A at a small gathering Wednesday evening.
In conclusion, Davos 2025 provided a platform for critical discussions on the global economy, technological advancements, and societal challenges. The insights shared by world leaders offered a glimpse into the key trends and potential disruptions that will shape the future.
