WEF2025: ABCD - The world’s biggest problems

FROM an early age, we are taught the alphabet as the foundation for reading, understanding, and solving problems. Yet as the world becomes more complex, humanity’s greatest challenges seem to return to the basics: the first four letters of the alphabet.

A for Artificial Intelligence. B for the Battle of Big Brothers (US-China rivalry). C for Climate Change. D for Depopulation.

These four issues dominate the agenda at the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting 2025, held in Davos, Switzerland, from 20 to 24 January. Under the theme “Collaboration for the Age of Intelligence,” the forum brings together leaders from government, business, academia, and civil society to tackle these pressing challenges and drive innovative solutions.

Notably, this year’s forum sees the absence of leaders from the United States and China, though US President-elect Donald Trump is set to deliver a virtual address on 23 January.

A Platform for Global Transformation

As humanity contends with economic instability, geopolitical tensions, and environmental crises, the discussions in Davos aim to turn these challenges into opportunities. The focus this year is on leveraging technology and innovation across five key themes:

1. Industry in the Age of Intelligence - How technology is reshaping industries and creating new economic opportunities.

2. Rebuilding Trust - Restoring faith in institutions and fostering global collaboration.

3. Reimagining Growth - Exploring sustainable and inclusive economic models for the future.

4. Investing in People - Equipping societies with the education, healthcare, and skills needed to face emerging challenges.

5. Protecting the Planet - Tackling climate change, biodiversity loss, and resource management.

ASEAN’s Growing Influence at WEF2025

ASEAN’s presence at this year’s forum is a key highlight, reflecting the region’s rising influence in global economic and geopolitical affairs. As ASEAN Chair in 2025, Malaysia is leading the charge, with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim presenting a unified ASEAN vision to address global issues.

ASEAN’s priorities at WEF 2025 include:

• Digital Integration: Advancing the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) to enhance connectivity among member states.

• Resilience: Strengthening supply chains, bolstering food and energy security, and mitigating the risks of geopolitical shifts.

• Sustainability: Driving initiatives in renewable energy, climate action, and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

• Workforce Development: Preparing ASEAN’s workforce for the digital economy and emerging technologies such as AI and robotics.

The ASEAN Plenary Session, “Even Stronger Together,” will explore strategies to drive economic growth, promote social inclusion, and foster environmental sustainability, while positioning ASEAN as a vital bridge between major global powers.

A Call for Collective Action

The urgency of WEF 2025 is underscored by the Global Risks Report 2025, which identifies armed conflicts, disinformation, and environmental crises as critical threats to global stability. The forum calls on leaders to collaborate, utilising innovation and cooperation to address these risks and build a better future.

As the world grapples with its “ABCD” problems, the question remains: will we rise to E – Excellence, or fall into F – Failure?

The answer lies in our collective ability to act with purpose and determination.