Why the World Economic Forum in Davos Is One of My Favorite Events: A Founder’s Perspective on AI, Innovation, and Global Collaboration

Every year, thousands of leaders, entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, academics, media professionals, and innovators gather in Davos, Switzerland for the World Economic Forum (WEF).

People often ask me:

"What is Davos really like?"
"Is it worth attending?"
"Why do so many business leaders, government officials, and technology innovators go there?"

Having attended the World Economic Forum, I can confidently say that Davos is one of my favorite events in the world—not because of the famous names, but because of the quality of conversations and the opportunity to understand where the future is headed.

What Makes Davos Different?

Unlike most conferences, the World Economic Forum brings together leaders from multiple sectors in one place.

At Davos, you will find:

  • Technology founders

  • Artificial intelligence experts

  • Government leaders

  • Fortune 500 executives

  • Venture capitalists

  • Climate innovators

  • Nonprofit organizations

  • Researchers and academics

  • Media leaders

  • Entrepreneurs from around the world

The diversity of perspectives is what makes the experience so valuable.

In a single day, I might attend a discussion on AI safety, speak with a founder building a breakthrough technology company, learn about global economic trends, and discuss education initiatives with leaders working across multiple continents.

Few events create that level of cross-industry collaboration.

Why Davos Matters in the Age of Artificial Intelligence

As the Founder of the Global AI Council, my focus is AI literacy, AI safety, and AI for good.

Artificial intelligence is no longer a future trend. It is already transforming business, education, healthcare, government, marketing, media, and entrepreneurship.

At Davos, conversations about AI are happening everywhere.

Some of the most important questions being discussed include:

  • How do we prepare society for AI?

  • What skills will future workers need?

  • How can governments regulate AI responsibly?

  • How do we ensure AI benefits humanity?

  • What role will AI play in economic growth?

  • How can businesses adopt AI effectively?

These conversations are not theoretical.

They are shaping decisions that will impact industries and countries for years to come.

My Favorite Part of Davos: The Conversations

The most valuable moments at Davos often happen outside the official sessions.

Some of my favorite conversations have happened:

  • Walking between venues

  • Over coffee

  • At private dinners

  • During networking events

  • In spontaneous meetings with people from different countries

This is where ideas are exchanged openly.

This is where partnerships begin.

This is where you gain perspectives you simply cannot get from reading articles or watching videos online.

One conversation can completely change how you think about a problem.

Davos and Global Collaboration

One of the biggest lessons I take away from the World Economic Forum is the importance of collaboration.

The world's biggest challenges cannot be solved by one company, one government, or one individual.

Whether the topic is:

  • Artificial Intelligence

  • Cybersecurity

  • Climate Change

  • Healthcare

  • Education

  • Economic Development

Real progress happens when people work together.

This philosophy is one of the reasons we created the Global AI Council.

Our mission has always been to bring together educators, entrepreneurs, governments, nonprofits, and technology leaders to promote AI literacy and responsible AI adoption.

Davos reinforces that mission every year.

Why Davos Gives Me Hope

The media often focuses on division, conflict, and uncertainty.

Davos reminds me that there are thousands of people actively working on solutions.

There are people building technologies that improve lives.

There are educators creating opportunities for future generations.

There are entrepreneurs solving real-world problems.

There are leaders trying to make thoughtful decisions about the future.

That perspective is incredibly valuable.

Is Davos Worth Attending?

If your work involves:

  • Artificial Intelligence

  • Technology

  • Entrepreneurship

  • Venture Capital

  • Innovation

  • Public Policy

  • Global Business

  • Economic Development

Then Davos offers a unique opportunity to learn from some of the brightest minds in the world.

More importantly, it gives you a chance to understand the conversations that are shaping the future.

Final Thoughts

The World Economic Forum is not my favorite event because of the prestige.

It is my favorite event because it brings together people who are thinking deeply about the future.

Every year, I leave Davos with new ideas, new friendships, new partnerships, and a renewed sense of optimism.

As someone passionate about AI, innovation, entrepreneurship, and global education, there are few places in the world where so many important conversations happen in one location.

For me, that is the real magic of Davos.

And it is why the World Economic Forum remains one of my favorite events in the world.

Kate Hancock
Founder, Global AI Council
Advocate for AI Literacy, AI Safety, and AI for Good

kate hancock