- As part of the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2025, the Open Forum is hosting a series of publicly accessible sessions on 20-24 January 2025.
- The theme this year is "Justice for All: A World without Barriers", which will guide discussions on topics such as income equality, gender justice, climate justice and access to energy.
- All Open Forum sessions are livestreamed here . Discover more about the Open Forum Davos 2025 and how to register here .
- For more information on the Annual Meeting 2025, visit www.weforum.org . Share on social media using the hashtag #wef25 and #OpenForum25.
Geneva, Switzerland, 14 January 2025 - As part of the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2024, this year's Open Forum Davos will convene under the theme "Justice for All: A World without Barriers" and feature sessions exploring diverse issues through the lens of social justice.
Taking place on 20-24 January 2025 at the Swiss Alpine School in Davos, the publicly accessible event aims to spark dialogue between thought leaders and the public on various topics including the current geopolitical landscape, environmental challenges and the role of the arts in society.
Other themes that will be explored this year include equity in energy access, gender justice, whether nature should be an entity with legal rights, rising income inequalities, among others.
Notable sessions include a one-on-one with US artist and activist Gary Tyler, who was wrongfully convicted at 16 and spent 42 years in prison before being released. He found refuge in art, which helped him reclaim his identity and express emotions stifled by confinement.
Another session will explore how LGBTQI+ individuals face rising global threats to their safety and well-being worldwide and what steps governments, civil society, and businesses can take to ensure inclusivity, reduce stigma, and protect LGBTQI+ lives in hostile environments.
A spotlight will also be placed on the urgent issue of water access and sanitation, with a session dedicated to addressing the need for equitable solutions to improve public health, as nearly 3.5 billion people currently lack safe sanitation according to a recent United Nations report .
Open Forum Davos panels embrace a spectrum of ages, genders and backgrounds. Sessions include perspectives from inspiring voices from all walks of life and from different corners of the globe. Notably, the discussions feature traditional academic voices as well as indigenous voices, ensuring a truly inclusive and comprehensive dialogue.
Panellists who will participate in this year's Open Forum Davos include:
- Islam Alijaj, Member of the National Council, Swiss Parliament,
- Misty Copeland, Founder, Misty Copeland Foundation; Principal Ballerina, American Ballet Theatre (ABT)
- Gary Tyler, Artist
- Fatou Jeng, Climate Adviser to the United Nations Secretary-General
- Rosmarie Wydler-Wälti, Die Klimaseniorinnen
- Jin Xing, Choreographer and Founder, Jin Xing Dance Theatre Shanghai
- Anges Callamard, Secretary-General, Amnesty International
- Mindahi Bastida, Earth Elders
- Katherine Garret-Cox, Chief Executive Officer, Asset Management, Gulf International Bank
- Amitabh Behar, Executive Director, Oxfam International
- Anacláudia Rossbach, Executive Director, UN-Habitat
Open Forum Programme
Full programme available here .
About the Open Forum Davos
The Open Forum Davos was founded in 2003, when a series of public sessions were co-organized by the World Economic Forum and civic society groups, including churches, fair trade organizations and the Swiss Red Cross. Today, the Open Forum Davos remains a key platform for all of society to share thoughts and experiences on pressing and controversial issues. For further information, click here .
About the Annual Meeting 2025
The World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2025, taking place in Davos-Klosters from 20 to 24 January, convenes global leaders under the theme, Collaboration for the Intelligent Age. The meeting will foster new partnerships and insights to shape a more sustainable, inclusive future in an era of rapidly advancing technology, focusing on five key areas: Reimagining Growth, Industries in the Intelligent Age, Investing in People, Safeguarding the Planet, and Rebuilding Trust. Click here to learn more.
