President Cyril Ramaphosa Leads South African Delegation at the 55th World Economic Forum in Davos: A Vision for a Collaborative Future
Davos-Klosters, Switzerland – As the world’s attention turns to Davos-Klosters, Switzerland, for the 55th World Economic Forum (WEF), President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa takes center stage to lead the South African delegation at this prestigious global event. The 2025 WEF, running from January 20 to 24, will see the participation of heads of state, business leaders, policymakers, and academics, all coming together to discuss and address critical global challenges. This year’s theme, “Collaboration for the Intelligent Age”, underscores the urgent need for cooperative action across borders to tackle the rapidly advancing digital age and other economic and environmental challenges.
President Ramaphosa’s presence at this conference is particularly significant as South Africa prepares to assume the G20 Presidency later in 2025, which will further emphasize his leadership in advocating for inclusive growth, economic transformation, and global partnerships.
The 55th World Economic Forum: A Global Collaboration Hub
The World Economic Forum (WEF), held annually in Davos-Klosters, has become the leading platform for global collaboration. It serves as a meeting ground for over 2,000 global leaders, including heads of state, corporate executives, industry experts, and civil society representatives, all convening to discuss the most pressing issues of our time. Topics such as global economic recovery, climate change, technological advancement, and economic inequality are at the heart of this year’s discussions.
With the theme, “Collaboration for the Intelligent Age,” the 2025 WEF emphasizes the need for partnerships and cooperation among nations, businesses, and non-governmental organizations to effectively address the world’s challenges. The rise of artificial intelligence, automation, and the digital transformation of industries and economies has made global cooperation more critical than ever.
Countries Participating in the 2025 World Economic Forum
The World Economic Forum brings together leaders from over 100 countries, including major economic powers like the United States, China, India, Germany, and Brazil. Smaller but influential nations, including South Africa, are also key participants.
South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa will lead the country’s delegation, highlighting the importance of multilateralism, inclusive development, and addressing economic disparities. The African continent is increasingly playing a pivotal role in global conversations about trade, sustainable development, and climate justice. South Africa’s leadership at the forum will amplify the voice of developing nations, particularly in the context of global challenges like climate change, economic recovery, and the digital divide.
Key Outcomes Expected at the 2025 World Economic Forum
The primary objective of the 2025 WEF is to foster global partnerships that lead to actionable solutions. The anticipated key outcomes of the conference are as follows:
- Economic Recovery Post-COVID-19: The COVID-19 pandemic had a profound impact on economies worldwide, leading to contractions in GDP, a spike in unemployment, and disruptions in supply chains. The 2025 WEF will focus on how countries can recover from these effects by adopting policies that promote economic growth, job creation, and resilient infrastructure. For South Africa, this will be an opportunity to advocate for foreign investment, industrialization, and increased trade within the African continent.
- Climate Change and Sustainability: Global leaders will discuss solutions for climate change, focusing on carbon reduction, renewable energy, and climate adaptation. South Africa will strongly advocate for equitable climate action, ensuring that developing nations are not left behind in the transition to a green economy. President Ramaphosa has emphasized the need for financial support and technology transfer to support climate change adaptation in Africa.
- The Digital Transformation and Technological Innovation: With technology advancing at an unprecedented rate, the 2025 WEF will explore the benefits and challenges posed by emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, and data-driven decision-making. The forum will also focus on digital equity, ensuring that developing nations are not excluded from the benefits of the digital economy. South Africa, as a leader in African innovation, will highlight the importance of access to technology and digital education for all countries.
- Economic Inequality and Inclusive Growth: Economic inequality remains a pressing global issue, with vast wealth gaps between developed and developing countries, as well as within countries themselves. South Africa’s delegation, led by President Ramaphosa, will advocate for inclusive economic growth that provides equal opportunities for all, particularly the Global South. The focus will be on reducing the wealth gap, improving access to quality education, and ensuring that everyone benefits from globalization and technological progress.
- Public-Private Partnerships for Global Progress: Governments alone cannot address global challenges. The 2025 WEF will emphasize the importance of public-private partnerships to foster innovative solutions to issues like healthcare, infrastructure, and education. South Africa will promote the need for collaborations between government agencies, private companies, and NGOs to solve shared global problems.
Key Presidents and Leaders Attending the WEF
At the 2025 World Economic Forum, several key global leaders will discuss and shape the future of the global economy. Here are some notable figures expected to attend:
President Donald Trump (United States)
President Donald Trump, returning to the presidency in 2025, will take part virtually in the World Economic Forum, as confirmed by AP News. His participation is highly anticipated, and his virtual address will focus on economic recovery, trade relations, and America’s climate policies. As the United States’ leader, Trump will have significant influence on discussions about global trade policies and the future of sustainability efforts globally.
Source: AP News
President Cyril Ramaphosa (South Africa)
President Cyril Ramaphosa will be the face of South Africa at the 2025 WEF, bringing attention to the country’s leadership within Africa. South Africa’s agenda for this year will include inclusive economic policies, job creation, climate change, and digital transformation. Ramaphosa’s message will focus on the importance of global collaboration to address shared challenges, from sustainable development to ensuring equitable economic opportunities for all.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi (India)
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to attend the 2025 WEF to highlight India’s growing influence in the global economic sphere. India will focus on digital innovation, poverty alleviation, and inclusive growth. Modi’s role in the forum will underscore India’s potential as a key player in shaping the future of global technology and trade.
President Emmanuel Macron (France)
President Emmanuel Macron of France will be another key leader at the forum, advocating for the European Union’s role in global economic governance. Macron is expected to speak about climate change, economic cooperation, and the need for unity in tackling global challenges.
Mainstream Media Reactions
As global leaders gather in Davos, the world is watching closely, and mainstream media outlets are providing coverage of the event.
Reuters reported: “South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to champion global economic inclusivity and lead conversations about sustainable development in Africa at the 2025 WEF.”
BBC News adds: “President Ramaphosa’s leadership at the 2025 WEF will be key to addressing the challenges faced by developing countries, especially in the areas of economic recovery and climate justice.”
The Guardian comments: “The 2025 WEF could prove to be a game-changer for South Africa and other developing nations, with President Ramaphosa pushing for stronger partnerships on the global stage.”
Conclusion: A Collaborative Future for Global Growth
The 55th World Economic Forum in Davos-Klosters will set the stage for global collaboration and action on key issues such as climate change, economic inequality, and technological innovation. President Cyril Ramaphosa and South Africa’s delegation will continue to emphasize the importance of inclusive growth and economic fairness, ensuring that developing nations have a voice in the global discussions.
By collaborating, rather than competing, countries can address the world’s shared challenges, from climate adaptation to digital equity. South Africa’s participation, especially as the G20 President later in 2025, will ensure that the voices of developing countries are heard and that equitable solutions are prioritized.
For more updates on South Africa’s participation in the World Economic Forum and other global economic discussions, stay tuned to GovZA Updates: #GovZAUpdates.
References:
- World Economic Forum Official Website
- GovZA Official South African Government Updates
- Reuters – South Africa’s Role in Global Economic Discussions
- BBC News – WEF Coverage
- The Guardian – Global Economic Summits
- AP News – Trump to Take Part Virtually in Davos WEF
