Day 2 Davos 2025: Live coverage and what to know

Here's a snapshot of everything you need to know about Day 2 of Davos 2025. Image: ©World Economic Forum/Pascal Bi
- The World Economic Forum's Annual Meeting takes place in Davos from 20-24 January 2025.
- Here's a snapshot of everything you need to know about Day 2 of Davos 2025.
On the second day of the World Economic Forum's Annual Meeting in Davos, here's a rundown of what happened, the key sessions to watch, essential reading, live coverage of the session highlights and snippets of some of the conversations in the corridors.
Sessions to watch
All times below are in GMT+1.
Accenture Chair and CEO Julie Sweet and Amazon Web Services CEO Matt Garman joined a panel to discuss what is needed to go beyond AI’s promise of revolutionizing industries and tap into the technology’s potential.
In answer to a question on whether governments should use AI more to solve societal problems, Julie Sweet stressed the potential for AI to help with - for example - health, public services and addressing food insecurity.
She said, "there's a real change in the way that governments can serve citizens. So there's a lot of opportunity with government."
Speaking on jobs, Sanofi's Paul Hudson explained how "AI doesn't beat human plus AI" - and sees significant positive possibilities for the technology."
09:30 - The Future of Growth
How do we transition from the growth we have to the growth we need? This was the subject of discussion for this expert panel, including Adena Friedman, Chair and CEO, Nasdaq and former US Secretary of the Treasury, Larry Summers.
Friedman spoke about the significance of regulation to either foster or inhibit growth - particularly pertinent as the world eyes Trump-02's significant economic and trade-related policy shifts. She spoke of the need for a "policy balancing act".
IEA Executive Director, Fatih Birol, joined leaders from politics and business to discuss where leaders should focus their attention to effectively shape the geoeconomics of energy and materials.
Birol explained why the energy securities of today need to be distinct from an understanding of the energy securities of tomorrow and pressed for the need to diversify. He said, "The magic word for energy security is diversification".
09:30 - Road to COP30
What is on the agenda for COP30 in Brazil and how can all stakeholder groups unlock a new era for collaboration on climate and nature? Simon Stiell, Executive Secretary, United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), joined this panel discussion.
Klaus Schwab, the Forum's Founder and Chairman, joined Forum President and CEO Børge Brende and Karin Keller-Sutter, President of the Swiss Confederation 2025 to deliver their welcoming remarks.
Brende gave context for the Annual Meeting, highlighting how it takes place at one of the most "uncertain times in generations".
Europe's role in the shifting geopolitical order was top of mind during von der Leyen's address. She said, "from AI to clean tech, from quantum to space... the race is on”, as she outlined the importance of cooperation in the race for resources.
WTO Director-General, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, joined a panel of experts to discuss what steps can leaders take to not only navigate today's economic landscape but also find paths to economic cooperation.
13:00 - Investing in Women's Health
What innovations are needed to make women's health a lasting global priority? Catherine Russell, Executive Director of the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) joined Anita Zaidi, President, Gender Equality, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and leaders from politics and business to discuss.
Have you read?
Zelenskyy spoke extensively about Europe, its global positioning and its relationship with the US. He stressed, "Europe must have a seat at the table when deals about war and peace are made" and that "Europe cannot afford to be second or third in line for its allies. If that happens, the world will start moving forward without Europe". He also talked about tech and warned that Europe is "falling behind".
15:00 - Diplomacy amid Disorder
Qatar's Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs joined ministers from around the world to discuss the diplomatic approaches leaders can take to address immediate security and economic challenges while advancing progress on long-term global priorities.
Ramaphosa spoke about the significance of the 2025 G20 summit being held in South Africa for the first time, "The mission of the G20 in South Africa will focus on three themes: solidarity, inequality and sustainable development", he said.
16:15 - US Economy in 2025
What's in store for the world's largest economy this year? Brian Moynihan, Chair and CEO of Bank of America, joined Rich Lesser, Global Chair, Boston Consulting Group (BCG), James Quincey, Chairman and CEO, The Coca-Cola Company and Vicki Hollub, President and CEO of Occidental, to discuss.
17:30 - Spotlight on Workers
Strikes, talent shortages and disruptions have persisted in key industries in 2024. Leaders from business and politics discussed how they can work together to drive stronger growth for business and the workers of today and tomorrow.
17:30 - Africa's Economy: Young and Fast
The African Free Trade Continental Area (AfCFTA) promises an abundance of renewable energy sources and a boom in innovation hubs. The President of Botswana, Duma Gideon Boko, joined Wamkele Keabetswe Mene, Secretary-General of the African Continental Free Trade Area Secretariat to discuss.
Conversations in the corridors
Our team has been out and about speaking to participants, asking them to relay some of their thoughts on what they've heard and what they hope for this Davos 2025.
From climate action to tackling global geopolitical challenges, these are some of the hot topics on people's minds this week.
Cristina Mittermeier: "Art is such an important way of communicating. When you have an opportunity to participate in something like the World Economic Forum, there's a big chance you'll get distracted by all the cool innovations and AI. I’m here to remind us that biodiversity is important and that our oceans need us."
Gilberto Morishaw: "My message to world leaders—and everyone here—is to recognize the reality we live in and push forward with the transformation required of us. We cannot sit back and accept hopelessness; we must lean into courage."
Anand Swaminathan: "This year, we need to find better ways to work with each other—whether in business or society. Even a small step in that direction could have a multiplier effect moving forward."
Things you might have missed
The Crystal Awards took place on Monday night, as well as the Opening Concert. Watch them back on the event page, or read all about this year's awardees here.
Introducing the three winners, Hilde Schwab spoke about their "inspiring achievements". Watch the session here.
Day 1 was also Inauguration Day in the US.
Donald Trump has been sworn in as the 47th president of the United States.
Trump's return to the White House is a major topic of discussion in Davos given the potentially wide-ranging implications of his policies, including imposing tariffs on other economies.
In a dedicated session, media leaders shared their early thoughts on what lies ahead for the US under the second Trump administration.
Also, check out Davos 2025 highlights from Day 1.
Launches on Day 2 of Davos 2025
As always, a lot is going on today, but be sure to look out for the following:
AI Governance Alliance: Industries in the Intelligent Age
As we look ahead to 2025, today sees the launch of the AI Governance Alliance's
flagship series of white papers - Industries in the Intelligent Age - which explores AI adoption across sectors, highlighting distinct approaches, investment levels, and the challenges different industries face.
Read the series here now.
Schwab Foundation Social Innovation Awards - Social Innovation in Action - 2025 Awardees and Impact Report
This report celebrates the extraordinary achievements of the Schwab Foundation’s community of social entrepreneurs and innovators dedicated to fighting social inequalities and preserving natural ecosystems. It outlines the community's work, which has directly impacted 931 million lives over the past 26 years while creating significant economic value for communities.
Read the report here now.
Resilience Pulse Check: Harnessing Collaboration to Navigate a Volatile World
This white paper explores how businesses are responding to today’s challenges, and uncovers critical resilience gaps, with 84% of companies feeling underprepared for future disruptions.
Read it here now.
Blueprint to Close the Women's Health Gap: How to Improve Lives and Economies for All
In collaboration with the McKinsey Health Institute, this report focuses on nine key conditions that drive a third of the women’s health gap, and outlines actionable solutions to address disparities in treatment, care delivery, data and funding.
Read it here now.
In-depth: Updates on the Davos themes
Catch-up on the key quotes from sessions across all five themes of the Annual Meeting here.
Podcasts from the mountain
We're podcasting all week from Davos:
- Radio Davos: The weekly show looking at the world's biggest challenges and how we can tackle them. Subscribe on any app via this link.
- Meet the Leader: Big decision makers share the lessons they have learned on the way up, and the habits they would not be without. Subscribe.
- And keep an eye on Agenda Dialogues where you can catch the audio from some of the biggest and best sessions from Davos 2025. Subscribe.
More on Forum Stories
In the past few weeks, we've published a number of articles and reports on the biggest issues up for discussion this year at Davos. Here's a snapshot, but you can see more on our Forum Stories page.