AMNC25: Who’s coming and what to expect at this year’s ‘Summer Davos’

In the year since the last Annual Meeting of the New Champions (AMNC), it’s safe to say things have changed. The world economy has undergone significant transformations from the increased use of technology at one end to geoeconomic uncertainties weighing down on growth at the other.

At such a critical time, cooperation, collaboration and innovation are more important than ever. The economies of the future will require entrepreneurial solutions to revive growth and thrive. It’s because of this backdrop that the World Economic Forum will be convening its 16th Annual Meeting of the New Champions (AMNC25), also commonly known as Summer Davos, from 24-26 June in Tianjin, People’s Republic of China.

And the significance of the meeting being held in Asia shouldn’t be overlooked, with the continent contributing nearly 60% of global GDP in 2024.

This year’s theme reflects the fact that rapid technological change, shifting geopolitical landscapes, the imperative of sustainability, and demographic changes are all reshaping global economic fundamentals.

At the heart of this transformation is entrepreneurship and human ingenuity. They are necessary to bring the agility, creativity and scalability to navigate this period of disruption and uncertainty.

Whether to do with technology, new business models, or fresh approaches to sustainability, entrepreneurs will be central to driving economic growth. AMNC will bring them together from across the globe, including CEOs and founders from our Innovator Communities, as well as the UpLink community.

With the Forum’s focus on public-private collaboration and the participation of leaders from business, government, and international organizations alongside these private-sector innovators, this year’s meeting once again offers a rare opportunity for cross-sector dialogue and action.

With the theme of entrepreneurship running through the veins of this year’s meeting, the 16th AMNC sessions and discussions will focus on five key areas.

Deciphering the World Economy

The April global growth forecasts from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) see just 2.8% growth this year and 3% next year, a drop from January’s 3.3% forecast. Coupled with a shift from export-led models to services, the question of how to unlock new growth is an urgent one.

What will the role of entrepreneurship and innovation be? And can they serve as the new engines of the global economy?

Outlook on China

China has reoriented its economic model to focus on ‘new quality productive forces’, looking to take advantage of technological advances to upgrade its industries.

What will this technology-led model mean for the Chinese economy and which are the industries of the future that will drive this shift?

Industries Disrupted

Technological, geopolitical and environmental factors are all driving industries’ transformation, and global private-sector spending on technology is expected to hit $5.6 trillion this year.

How can industries remain agile in adapting to a fast-changing world, while also baking in resilience?

Investing in People and Planet

Less than one-fifth of global sustainability goals are on track to be met. This comes despite progress in some areas, including in scaling up finance for climate action. Against a new geoeconomic background, how can partnerships from across sectors drive action for both people and planet?

New Energy and Materials

There is growing momentum behind renewable energy capacity and energy efficiency. But this comes against a backdrop of rising demand from technological advances.

How can we ensure a more secure, stable and sustainable supply of energy resources and critical minerals to support growth?

The meeting will bring together over 1,700 leaders from over 90 countries from business, government, civil society, and international organizations, as well as prominent entrepreneurs, innovators and academics.

Over 160 senior political leaders, from around 30 countries and regions will participate, including:

Li Qiang, Premier of the People’s Republic of China

Daniel Noboa Azín, President of Ecuador

Adylbek Kasymaliev, Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic

Ousmane Sonko, Prime Minister of Senegal

Lawrence Wong, Prime Minister of Singapore

Pham Minh Chinh, Prime Minister of Viet Nam

Rania A. Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation, Egypt

Narek Mkrtchyan, Minister of Labour and Social Affairs, Armenia

Mahmoud Mohieldin, Special Envoy on Financing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, United Nations, New York

Battushig Myanganbayar, AI Advisor to the Prime Minister of Mongolia

Sunil Handunneththi, Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, Sri Lanka

Watch live-streamed sessions from the meeting here and join the conversation on social media using hashtag #AMNC25.