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Collaboration

Global Collaboration Takes Center Stage at WEF 2025 Annual Meeting

UCL's Dr Michael Spence and Professor Tali Sharot Participate in WEF 2025 Panels

The 2025 World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting, held from January 20-24, brought together nearly 3,000 leaders from government, academia, and industry, representing over 130 countries, including more than 50 heads of state and government. Under the theme 'Collaboration for the Intelligent Age,' this global gathering aimed to address pressing global and regional challenges. Key discussions centred on responding to geopolitical shocks, stimulating economic growth to enhance living standards, and managing a just and inclusive energy transition. This prestigious event underscored the importance of collaborative efforts in navigating the complexities of the modern world and fostering sustainable development for a prosperous future.

UCL delegates included alumnus Henrike Schlottmann, Managing Director of ProjectTogether; Victor Chu CBE, UCL Chair of Council; and Dominic Blakemore, UCL Council Member. Dr. Michael Spence, UCL President & Provost, participated in panel events, moderated discussions, and met with the UK Ambassador to Switzerland, James Squire, as well as UCL alumni, partners, and philanthropists. Professor Tali Sharot from UCL Psychology participated in the ‘Renewing the Promise of Democracy’ panel, discussing actions needed to restore trust in institutions. Dr. Spence emphasized UCL’s commitment to partnerships in addressing global challenges, highlighting the Davos meeting as an example of collaborative innovation.

Dr. Spence attended the “United for Impact” event hosted by GITI Group and Tsinghua University, where he met with Tsinghua University President, Professor Li Luming. He also participated in the WEF Global University Leaders Forum, discussing challenges and strategies for universities in the intelligent age to foster innovation and deliver impactful solutions. He spoke at the CBI event on “Future of Investment in Global Challenges” and attended the “Bridging the Gap: From Lab to Market” meeting. He moderated discussions on 'Debating Education' and 'Free Science at Risk?' and participated in an Infosys event on “Leading Global Business Through Turbulence and Transformation.”

Before Davos, Dr Spence led a UCL delegation to CERN in Geneva to explore groundbreaking scientific advancements. In February 2025, UCL’s Professor Geraint Rees will lead a delegation to Sweden, Denmark, and Germany to strengthen strategic partnerships and expand collaboration across Europe. The 2025 World Economic Forum Annual Meeting showcased the power of global collaboration in addressing critical challenges, setting a path for sustainable development and innovation in the intelligent age.

 

Editor's Note:

The 2025 World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting, themed 'Collaboration for the Intelligent Age,' brought together nearly 3,000 leaders from over 130 countries to discuss global challenges like economic growth, geopolitical issues, and an inclusive energy transition. UCL’s involvement, led by Dr Michael Spence and Professor Tali Sharot, emphasized the importance of partnerships between academia and industry for a better future. 

Skoobuzz acknowledges UCL’s commitment to global collaboration and innovation, as it highlights the crucial role universities play in solving global problems.