
World Economic Forum
Welcome to our podcast collection featuring expert voices and fascinating stories from around the world.
Latest episodes

17 snips
Feb 20, 2025 • 30min
Three experts on how to understand the USA
David Rubenstein, co-chairman of The Carlyle Group, joins a discussion on the evolving landscape of American democracy. The experts delve into how Trump's second term might reshape the political scene, highlighting the growing polarization in the U.S. They explore the American Dream's transformation amid an insecure job market. The conversation also tackles the intricate relationship between immigration and populism, while drawing historical reflections on leadership from Abraham Lincoln's era. Insightful perspectives on America's identity and future emerge.

8 snips
Feb 13, 2025 • 26min
We'll stop climate change, but 'how soon' is the life-and-death question - Al Gore
Al Gore, former U.S. vice president and tireless climate campaigner, brings his optimism about tackling climate change despite alarming global temperatures. He discusses his Climate TRACE initiative, which uses AI to track greenhouse gas emissions globally, emphasizing its role in improving public health. Gore also highlights the hidden dangers of landfill emissions and advocates for corporate responsibility and local leadership in the shift to renewable energy. His call for urgent action is a powerful reminder of our interconnected challenges.

Feb 6, 2025 • 30min
Tariffs, globalization, and democracy, with Harvard economist Dani Rodrik
Dani Rodrik, a Harvard economist and critic of unrestricted globalization, delves into the complex relationship between tariffs, economic nationalism, and democracy. He argues that while tariffs can protect domestic economies, they also come with limitations. Rodrik highlights the resurgence of industrial policy as a response to growing inequalities and declining middle class, stressing the need for improved job quality and worker empowerment. He also reflects on the social consequences of hyper-globalization, evidenced by events like Brexit and Trump's election.

Jan 30, 2025 • 1h 14min
What just happened in Davos, and how is the world different now?
Burga Brenda, President and CEO of the World Economic Forum, leads a discussion with Kiva Allgood on advanced manufacturing challenges and the need for resilient supply chains. Kim Hwe Nyo passionately highlights climate initiatives amidst new geopolitical tensions from Donald Trump's policies. Joshua Bengio explores the thrilling possibilities of artificial general intelligence, while Cathy Lee addresses trends in AI governance, stressing the importance of international collaboration. The conversation dives deep into the interplay of technology, sustainability, and global health initiatives.

Jan 22, 2025 • 14min
IMF's Gita Gopinath: What's ahead for economic growth in 2025 - and what leaders must do now
How will inflation, conflict and technological change shape economies in the year ahead? The International Monetary Fund’s First Deputy Managing Director Gita Gopinath sat down with Meet The Leader at the World Economic Forum‘s Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland to share what's next for global growth. She identified the statistics that she found most compelling and the risks and opportunities leaders must prioritize in 2025. She also described the pivot countries will need to make in fiscal policy to tackle historic levels of global public debt (levels that could hit the $100 trillion mark) and how "optimism bias" could stand in the way. This special episode of interview of Meet The Leader was recorded at the World Economic Forum's Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland. About the research cited: IMF World Economic Outlook: Find a transcript here:

4 snips
Jan 21, 2025 • 21min
Tackling these surprising blindspots can bridge gender gaps in health, economic growth and more
To truly close the gender gap, we’ll need to address the menstrual health gap. A lack of access to hygiene care, solutions, education and more holds back those who menstruate at school and work, leading to real knock-on effects to the economy. Sahil Tesfu, the Chief Strategy Officer for health and hygiene company Essity Group, breaks down how age-old taboos related to women’s health have led to big barriers for social progress overall and the simple changes that leaders in business can boost everything from workplace health and psychological safety to productivity. She also shares lessons learned from her long consulting career including her approach to problem solving, including how a new approach to check-ins that can be more effective than the standard status update in driving team progress, clarity and empowerment. For more on this episode: Related episodes: How bridging design gaps in science and tech can tackle gender bias:

Jan 16, 2025 • 38min
The global economy 'at a crossroads' ahead of Davos: Chief Economists Outlook
Ralph Ossa, Chief Economist at the World Trade Organization, dives into the potential impacts of Donald Trump’s return on global economics and trade dynamics. He discusses the subdued growth outlook influenced by geopolitical tensions and climate risks. Ossa emphasizes the need for diversification in trade relationships and explains the complexities of global inflation post-COVID. He also addresses the rising challenges of sovereign debt and the significance of international cooperation versus isolationism in navigating these uncertain times.

Jan 15, 2025 • 46min
Global Risks Report: the big issues facing the world at Davos 2025
What are the global challenges that world leaders will be addressing in Davos? Many of them are contained in the World Economic Forum’s Global Risks Report, a survey of almost 1,000 decision makers and leaders around the world that shows what they consider to be the biggest risks facing humanity in the coming year and in the medium and long terms. The 20th edition of this annual report reveals an increasingly fractured global landscape, where escalating geopolitical, environmental, societal and technological challenges threaten stability and progress. Two experts join us to discuss the risks facing humanity in the short, medium and long term: Ngaire Woods, dean of the Blavatnik School of Government at the University of Oxford, and Azeem Azhar, chief executive officer of Exponential View. Hosted by World Economic Forum podcaster Robin Pomeroy, with co-host Mark Elsner, Head of Global Risks Initiative at the Forum. Speakers: Mark Elsner, Head of Global Risks Initiative Ngaire Woods, dean of the Blavatnik School of Government at the University of Oxford Azeem Azhar, chief executive officer of Exponential View Links: Visit the and read the full report . Global Future Council on the Future of Complex Risks: Catch up on all the action from the Annual Meeting 2025 at and across social media using the hashtag #WEF25. Related podcasts: Check out all our podcasts on : - - : - : - : Join the :

Jan 15, 2025 • 57min
2025 is a ‘pivotal year’ for job transformation - How leaders can prepare teams for the future of work: ADP’s Chief Economist
Changes in demographics, technologies and geopolitics will create a net 78 million new jobs by 2030. But current workforces are not yet skilled for these jobs and 40% of the skills needed on the job are set to change. ADP’s Chief Economist Nela Richardson breaks down research from the latest World Economic Forum Future of Jobs report and key findings from ADP data - including the dramatic boost to wages upskilling could bring to some workers. She’ll explain why experts might soon be focused on task creation, not job creation, what soft skills will be valued more than ever and how leaders can help prepare their teams for a new future. She’ll also share lessons learned from her own professional journey including how competing on her high school debate team has shaped how she communicates and connects with people to this day – and the two words she uses more than any other as a leader. About this episode: ADP: ADP Research Institute: Future of Jobs Report: Related Podcasts: Upskilling, tapping human talents, and what's really needed for the future of work: Cognizant CEO Ravi Kumar:

Jan 13, 2025 • 56min
Global Cybersecurity Outlook: the risks we all face and how to fight back
In this discussion, Akshay Joshi leads the charge on global cybersecurity risks, while Confidence Staveley emphasizes the need for cyber education in vulnerable African populations. Keri Pearlson shares practical strategies to strengthen corporate cyber resilience. The trio dives into the complexities of modern threats, the critical skills gap in cybersecurity, and the necessity of proactive crisis communication planning. They also spotlight innovative educational approaches like edutainment to boost awareness and protection against cybercrime.