Davos sans AI

Climate crisis: At the World Economic Forum, leaders discussed creating positive impact with a proactive approach rather than merely reacting to the effects of climate change on the business world. It's fair to say that industries and companies are largely held responsible for climate change. Leaders also admitted experiencing negative effects on company profits due to extreme weather events. It was evident that the business world needs to reshape its practices in response to the risks of climate change.

The "regeneration" approach requires reshaping business models and supply chains rather than merely reducing risks. Companies like Patagonia are at the forefront of this approach by adopting regenerative organic practices in their production processes. However, this is a challenging process. While there is an appetite for change, only 16% of global leaders believe their organizations are ready for it. Leaders acknowledge that building a business model reliant on finite natural resources is a bad idea and emphasize the need for significant transformation.

The future of education and digitalization: One of the most debated topics in the education industry was the relationship young people have with screens and its implications for teachers, students, and parents. It was discussed that screen time measurement is actually a narrow metric, and students' social intelligence is rapidly declining due to screens, with teachers unsure how to address this issue. Alongside artificial intelligence, there was a consensus that education needs to transform, and teachers need to be equipped with different programs to adapt to this transformation.

Gender equality: At the Davos Women Agenda and Equality Lounge, discussions revolved around how Davos' goal of gender equality by 2035 could be set back. In these two settings, various figures from different industries such as media, consulting, and technology discussed how companies can create policies for gender equality.

The future of work: In the Gen AI era, the future of work is rapidly shifting from business-centric models to skill-centric models. Companies, along with advancements in Gen AI, are realizing the need for skill development and reskilling to adapt to the changing landscape. However, there is a significant gap in education adequacy between managers and employees. According to a discussion based on the Mercer Global Talent Trends 2024 research, only 45% of employees trust that their organizations will provide them with the necessary skills. As Gen AI is embraced, redesigning work for the future and providing continuous learning opportunities for employees will become increasingly important.

Mental health: Another significant topic highlighted at this year's events was mental health. Speakers brought attention to mental health practices, particularly focusing on developing alternative investments outside the Western paradigm. Panelists expressed expectations for increased investment in mental health in the future. It was also emphasized that more resources need to be allocated to research and development in mental health in the coming years. Davos 2024 provided an important platform to raise awareness of mental health and offer solutions.