World Economic Forum 2025 in Davos: A recap by Tanso co-founder Gyri Reiersen

Copyright photo: World Economic Forum / Greg Beadle

In January 2025, Gyri Reiersen, Co-Founder and CPO of Tanso, participated in the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, as part of the delegation of the Global Shapers Community. The WEF Annual Meeting is one of the most important economic and socio-political events in the world, bringing together representatives from business, politics, science, and culture. This year’s WEF theme was "Collaboration in the Intelligent Age." Discussions focused on how collaboration can succeed in an era increasingly shaped by knowledge, artificial intelligence (AI), automation, and global interconnectedness. The industrial era is over – the "Intelligent Age" demands new ways of thinking, especially in a world navigating technological advancements, growing misinformation, societal polarization, and the rising power of global tech corporations. While global connections are becoming tighter, the risk of social isolation and national unilateralism is also growing.

The WEF's views on Europe

Another discussion topic during the conference in Davos was Europe. With nine percent of the world’s population and 24 percent of global GDP, the continent faces the challenge of maintaining its economic position in an increasingly dynamic global environment. However, discussions in Davos revealed that political disunity and national interests remain key obstacles to achieving these goals. Ursula von der Leyen emphasized in her speech that Europe "must stand on its own feet". Two recently published reports on the European Union’s economic situation paint a critical picture: if current trends in productivity and demographics continue, Europe’s economic output in 2050 could remain at today’s level. Given that crucial powers lie with the member states’ capitals, the question remains how European leaders can effectively address this challenge. This topic was discussed by, among others, Robert Habeck and Christine Lagarde during the panel "Beyond Crisis: Unlocking Europe’s Potential". Gyri Reiersen posed a question during the discussion about Europe’s future and the necessity of unified leadership. Robert Habeck responded to her input, emphasizing:

"We have to stand together and we have to create this sense of common attitude that this is our future, that this is our continent, that we have our own value system, and then we find the right leadership"

Challenges, climate protection, and innovation: Helping to shape the World Economic Forum

During the WEF Annual Meeting, Gyri Reiersen also had the opportunity to contribute her perspectives in several formats. She participated as a speaker in the panel "Generation Uncertain" and took part in a workshop with the Global Youth Alliance, where she engaged with global business leaders on how to better integrate young people into innovation processes. Additionally, she led a session at the House of Switzerland, where Swiss students collaborated with policymakers to discuss sustainable energy and climate strategies. These formats underscored the importance of intergenerational and international dialogue in developing long-term solutions.

Insights from Davos on international cooperation

Despite occasional criticism regarding the exclusivity of the forum, Gyri Reiersen experienced the significance of face-to-face dialogue between stakeholders from business, politics, science, and civil society. Sustainable solutions require the exchange and collaboration of diverse perspectives – complex global challenges can only be addressed through cooperation.

Conclusion on the World Economic Forum 2025

As an entrepreneur, immigrant, and leader in the technology sector, Gyri Reiersen knows firsthand how challenging yet rewarding it is to understand and integrate different viewpoints.

“We need the nation, we need the region, and we need the local communities and the individuals working on the same topic and collaborating,” Gyri Reiersen summarizes her key takeaway from Davos.

Tanso’s co-founder’s participation in WEF 2025 not only allowed her to represent Tanso’s values on a global stage but also to contribute to key debates on sustainable corporate governance, European competitiveness, and global cooperation.

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