Romania and Davos 2025: Missed Opportunities and Lessons for the Future-Maritime Security Forum Review
The World Economic Forum (WEF) is an international non-governmental organization founded in 1971 by Klaus Schwab, a German economist, and was originally known as the European Management Forum. In 1987, its name was changed to World Economic Forum to reflect the expansion of its agenda beyond European management to include global issues.
Klaus Schwab founded the organization to promote collaboration between business leaders, governments and civil society. The first meeting was held in January 1971 in Davos, Switzerland, and brought together some 450 business leaders from 31 countries. The original aim of the forum was to promote the application of American management principles in European companies.
In the 1970s, Schwab began to include political leaders and intellectuals, broadening the forum’s scope to address global economic, social and political issues.
Davos, a small ski resort town in the Swiss Alps, was chosen for the meetings because of:
- Switzerland’s neutrality – Switzerland has a tradition of political neutrality, making it an ideal place for international dialog.
- Geographical isolation – The city’s relatively isolated location offers a calm and safe atmosphere favorable for discreet discussions.
- Conference facilities – Davos has the infrastructure to host international events as well as an atmosphere suitable for private and informal meetings.
Officially, Klaus Schwab is credited as the main founder of the Forum. Initially, the members of the Forum were business leaders and organizations from Europe. The full list of founding members is not publicly available, but early participants included executives of major corporations, renowned economists and influential politicians.
Each year, the Davos event brings together global leaders from politics, business, civil society and academia to discuss the world’s pressing issues.
Role of the World Economic Forum: A platform for global change
In a world marked by economic and political interdependence, the World Economic Forum (WEF) plays a key role as a promoter of global dialog, transnational cooperation and sustainable development. Founded in 1971 by the German economist Klaus Schwab, the Forum has evolved from a European initiative into an institution with global influence, bringing together leaders from governments, corporations and civil society to address contemporary challenges.
In the spirit of the great ancient Greek markets, the WEF provides a neutral space for debate and negotiation. Every year in the small Swiss town of Davos, participants from diverse fields discuss global issues such as the climate crisis, social inequality and geopolitical tensions. The forum serves not as a legislative arena but as a catalyst for collaboration, where informal decisions are born from the free exchange of ideas¹.
One of the core pillars of the Forum is influencing the global economic agenda. Through flagship reports such as the Global Risks Report, the Forum identifies the major economic, social and technological trends shaping the future of humanity. From financial stability to the effects of globalization, the WEF provides essential guidance for international policy-making².
The Forum is committed to promoting planet-friendly growth. Initiatives such as The Great Reset underline the urgency of the transition to sustainable practices, based on reducing carbon emissions and protecting natural resources. WEF works with governments and corporations to accelerate the adoption of the circular economy and green technologies³.
In the face of the fourth industrial revolution, the Forum is a leader in exploring the impact of emerging technologies on society. Blockchain, artificial intelligence and biotech are just some of the areas the WEF is drawing attention to, proposing fair regulatory mechanisms and public-private collaborations to maximize their benefits⁴.
In a world where economic and social disparities continue to widen, the WEF is putting the need for inclusion and equity at the heart of its agenda. Through initiatives such as the Global Shapers Community, the Forum supports the engagement of young leaders and promotes gender equality, encouraging structural reforms for an equitable distribution of resources⁵.
The Forum is actively engaged in strengthening humanity’s resilience to global threats. During the COVID-19 pandemic, WEF played a key role in supporting initiatives for equitable distribution of vaccines through the COVAX platform. The Forum also supports strategies for food, energy and cyber security⁶.
Critical notes and controversies
While the Forum’s contributions are significant, the WEF is not without its critics. Some voices denounce its elitist character, arguing that it promotes corporate interests at the expense of ordinary citizens. Others question the transparency of the decision-making process, citing a mismatch between the Forum’s ambitions and its concrete impact⁷.
Essentially, the World Economic Forum is a unique platform for global coordination, acting as an intermediary between political, economic and intellectual power. Despite the challenges and controversies, the WEF remains an essential institution in the global landscape, helping to shape a more sustainable and equitable future.
Footnotes:
- Davos was chosen because of Switzerland’s neutrality and geographical isolation, conducive to informal dialog.
- Global Risks Report is an annual document that anticipates the main short- and long-term global risks.
- The Great Reset was launched in 2020 to put the global economy back on a sustainable path after the COVID-19 pandemic.
- The Center for the Fourth Industrial Revolution, a WEF initiative, investigates the implications of emerging technologies.
- TheGlobal Shapers Community supports engaging young people around the world in positive change initiatives.
- Through the COVAX platform, WEF has contributed to the equitable distribution of vaccines in developing countries.
- Criticism of the WEF has been amplified by the perception that it promotes the interests of a global elite.
The World Economic Forum (WEF) 2025, held in Davos, brought together global leaders from diverse sectors to discuss current challenges and opportunities under the theme “Collaborating for the Smart Era”. Key topics covered included:
1. Climate change and sustainability
UN Secretary-General António Guterres highlighted the danger of global dependence on fossil fuels, comparing it to a “Frankenstein monster”. He highlighted the urgent need to tackle climate change and warned of the risks associated with unregulated artificial intelligence.
2. Artificial intelligence (AI) and technology
AI was a central topic, with discussions on significant investment in AI infrastructure and its ethical implications. Tech leaders expressed concerns that excessive enthusiasm for AI could distract from key issues such as the impact on the workforce and the need for proper regulation.
3. Global trade and tariffs
President Donald Trump’s return to the White House has significantly influenced the discussions, particularly around trade and tariff policies. Trump has criticized the Paris climate agreement and promoted the expansion of fossil fuels, sparking intense debate in Davos.
4. European economy and integration
The European economy was another focal point, with leaders such as Kristalina Georgieva, managing director of the IMF, and Christine Lagarde, president of the ECB, emphasizing the need for increased confidence and economic integration in Europe. The need to boost growth and tackle current challenges was discussed.
5. Geopolitics and global conflicts
The situations in Ukraine and the Middle East were discussed at length, with a focus on the need for international cooperation to address these crises. Ukrainian President Volodimir Zelenski called for support for the defense of Europe, stressing the importance of the continent’s security.
Overall, Davos 2025 highlighted the importance of global collaboration in tackling today’s challenges and emphasized the need for concerted action to ensure a sustainable and prosperous future.
Romania and Davos 2025: Missed Opportunities and Lessons for the Future
The World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos is arguably one of the most influential global platforms for debating economic, social and political issues. With the central theme of the 2025 edition “Collaborating for the Smart Era”, this event has provided tremendous opportunities for participating countries to strategically position themselves and help shape the future directions of the world. However, Romania did not distinguish itself through an active presence, missing a chance to promote its national interests on a global stage.
Climate change and sustainability: an ignored challenge
Climate change was one of the central topics of Davos 2025, with world leaders and experts drawing attention to the urgency of tackling the environmental crisis. UN Secretary-General António Guterres described the global dependence on fossil fuels as a “Frankenstein monster”, highlighting the need to transition to a green economy. For Romania, this issue is of crucial importance given its vulnerabilities to climate change: frequent droughts, devastating floods and the pressure to cut carbon emissions to comply with the European Green Deal.
Romania’s lack of active participation in these discussions represents a missed opportunity to attract funding for renewable energy and sustainable infrastructure projects. A more visible presence would have allowed our country to join international initiatives aimed at tackling the climate crisis and gaining support for the energy transition.
Source: AP News
Artificial intelligence and digital transformation: An opportunity for IT&C leaders
Another major topic discussed at Davos was artificial intelligence (AI) and its impact on the global economy. The debates clearly highlighted the potential ethical and social risks of AI, but also the economic opportunities it brings. For Romania, with a well-developed IT&C sector and a solid reputation in the field of technology, these discussions are highly relevant. Our country has the potential to become a regional hub for innovation and development in AI.
However, the absence of strong Romanian representation at these talks reduces Romania’s chances of attracting foreign investment in digital infrastructure and influencing European and global regulations in this strategic field.
Source: Business Insider
Geopolitics and regional security: A platform for Romania as a regional leader
The crisis in Ukraine and geopolitical tensions were also central themes at Davos 2025. World leaders discussed their support for Ukraine and the importance of European security, with Romania, as a NATO member and EU border state, playing a strategic role in the region. Ukrainian President Volodimir Zelenski has repeatedly emphasized the need for greater support for Eastern European security, a theme in which Romania should have been more vocal.
An active presence in Davos would have allowed Romania to strengthen its position as a pillar of regional stability and attract additional support for security and strategic infrastructure projects.
Source: WEF Official
Access to resources and investment for development
Davos is renowned for attracting business leaders and global investment funds. For Romania, the event would have been an opportunity to promote critical projects such as:
- Modernizing transport infrastructure.
- Developing education and health.
- Implementation of innovative solutions in rural areas.
The lack of a clear strategy to promote these priorities at the international level has considerably reduced Romania’s chances of accessing important financial resources.
Source: The Guardian
Promoting Romania’s international image
Another major benefit of active participation in Davos is the reinforcement of a country’s image as a reliable partner and an attractive investment destination. However, Romania’s lack of a coherent and visible strategy reduces its ability to build economic partnerships and draw attention to its economic opportunities.
Romania and Poland: A comparison of participation in Davos 2025
Poland, unlike Romania, has demonstrated a much more active presence in the Davos 2025 discussions. The Polish government has intensively promoted strategic projects and national priorities such as:
- Energy independence: Poland actively participated in discussions on energy security and transition to renewable energy, attracting funding for wind and nuclear projects.
- Geostrategic role in Eastern Europe: With a similar position to Romania, Poland used the forum to rally international support in the face of Russian aggression and to attract investment in strategic transportation infrastructure.
- Promoting green technologies: Poland emphasized its role in technological innovation and promoted digital projects designed to boost the local economy.
The building couldn’t have been built in a better location, in the heart of the city’s promenade on the unofficial main street of the World Economic Forum (WEF). The space houses a bar, a place for group discussions and a few secluded rooms for quiet conversations.
Poland was represented at the WEF by a large business and political delegation. President Duda was a sought-after discussion partner. At the center of attention is the so-called Polish House.
The Polish Prime Minister, the Minister of Finance and the Minister of Digitization, as well as numerous representatives of the Polish business community also came to the Forum this year. Modern, open-minded and self-confident – this is the profile of the Polish officials coming to Davos. And the Polish House is a true reflection of this.
This contrast underlines the difference between a strategic approach, such as Poland’s, and a rather passive participation, such as Romania’s. Poland’s involvement brought concrete benefits, including new partnerships and access to important resources.
Conclusion
Davos 2025 was a stage where world leaders shaped the directions of the future in a period of rapid and complex change. By not participating more actively, Romania missed a valuable opportunity to promote its national interests, attract strategic investment and strengthen its position in global debates. It is imperative that, in the future, our country adopts a more ambitious strategy for such forums, capitalizing on its economic, geopolitical and technological potential.
MARITIME SECURITY FORUM