

Radio Davos
World Economic Forum
How do we solve the world’s biggest challenges? From climate change to inequality; the rise of big tech and rapid changes in how we live and work. Radio Davos talks to the people who have the ideas, the passion and the power to make change happen in a way that benefits all of us.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 23, 2025 • 56min
Why our future must be 'nature positive'
We all rely on nature to survive - but humans continue to destroy and degrade the environment to an extent that puts our own species at risk Nature conservationist Marco Lambertini puts the case for going 'nature positive' - getting companies and countries to account for their impact on nature and find ways to conserve and restore more than they destroy. Links: Nature Positive Initiative: https://www.naturepositive.org/ World Economic Forum's New Nature Economy reports: https://www.weforum.org/publications/series/new-nature-economy/ World Economic Forum's Bioeconomic Initiative: https://initiatives.weforum.org/bioeconomy-initiative/home Alliance of CEO Climate Leaders: https://initiatives.weforum.org/alliance-of-ceo-climate-leaders Alliance of CEOs for Nature: https://initiatives.weforum.org/ceo-alliance/home Related podcasts: "All of this is teamwork" - how 'industrial clusters' are accelerating the energy transition: http://wef.ch/4h0W7aa Are we on track for the energy transition? Insights from three CEOs: http://wef.ch/4nyDxIZ Ocean: how David Attenborough's new film will transform how you see Earth: http://wef.ch/4729DHk Check out all our podcasts on wef.ch/podcasts: YouTube: - https://www.youtube.com/@wef/podcasts Radio Davos - subscribe: https://pod.link/1504682164 Meet the Leader - subscribe: https://pod.link/1534915560 Agenda Dialogues - subscribe: https://pod.link/1574956552 Join the World Economic Forum Podcast Club: https://www.facebook.com/groups/wefpodcastclub

Oct 16, 2025 • 45min
"All of this is teamwork" - how 'industrial clusters' are accelerating the energy transition
The transition to net-zero is a daunting challenge for any industry - but what if diverse sectors can help each other speed up progress? That's what can happen in an 'industrial cluster'. In the episode we hear from two such clusters - the Port of Antwerp-Bruges in Belgium and the Andalusia Green Hydrogen Valley in Spain - just two of the more than 35 industrial clusters around the world, supported by the World Economic Forum’s Transitioning Industrial Clusters (TIC) initiative, to drive economic growth, employment and cut greenhouse gas emissions. And we speak to the head of the Mission Possible Partnership - an organisation that works to advance the energy transition in industry which also puts a strong emphasis on industry clusters or ‘clean industrial hubs’. Episode page with transcript: http://wef.ch/46rZO3T Links: Transitioning Industrial Clusters: https://initiatives.weforum.org/transitioning-industrial-clusters/home Mission Possible Partnership: https://www.missionpossiblepartnership.org/ Port of Antwerp-Bruges: https://www.portofantwerpbruges.com/en Andalusia Green Hydrogen Valley: https://www.moeveglobal.com/en/businesses/commercial-clean-energies/green-hydrogen/andalusian-valley Related podcasts: How to nudge heavy industry to sustainability: the First Movers Coalition: https://www.weforum.org/podcasts/radio-davos/episodes/fmc-concrete-cement/ Can aviation ever be sustainable? Here are some paths to net zero: https://www.weforum.org/podcasts/radio-davos/episodes/aviation-day-airports-sustainable-fuel-saf/ Climate science is clearer than ever. How should companies respond?: https://www.weforum.org/podcasts/radio-davos/episodes/climate-science-policy-business-response/ Check out all our podcasts on wef.ch/podcasts: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@wef Radio Davos - subscribe: https://pod.link/1504682164 Meet the Leader - subscribe: https://pod.link/1534915560 Agenda Dialogues - subscribe: https://pod.link/1574956552 Join the World Economic Forum Podcast Club: https://www.facebook.com/groups/wefpodcastclub

Oct 9, 2025 • 1h 17min
Are we on track for the energy transition? Insights from three CEOs
One of the main things needed to achieve net zero that is to transform how we produce and consume energy. In this podcast, CEOs of three very different companies on the front lines of the energy transition around the world assess where the energy transition is now, and what the future may look like. Speakers: Christian Bruch, CEO, Siemens Energy Andrés Gluski, CEO, AES Corporation Lei Zhang, CEO, Envision Group Co-host: Charles Bourgault manager, electricity industry, World Economic Forum Episode page with transcript: https://www.weforum.org/podcasts/radio-davos/episodes/energy-transition-electrification-siemens-aes-envision Related podcasts: Climate science is clearer than ever. How should companies respond? Getting sustainable, secure and equitable power to the people - how's the global energy transition going? Energy Transition: Amping Up or Powering Down? All Hands on Deck for the Energy Transition Check out all our podcasts on wef.ch/podcasts: YouTube: - https://www.youtube.com/@wef/podcasts Radio Davos - subscribe: https://pod.link/1504682164 Meet the Leader - subscribe: https://pod.link/1534915560 Agenda Dialogues - subscribe: https://pod.link/1574956552 Join the World Economic Forum Podcast Club: https://www.facebook.com/groups/wefpodcastclub

Oct 2, 2025 • 55min
Neurotechnology could help billions of people. Has its time come?
Electronic devices that tap into a human’s nervous system have been around for decades, for example to help paralysed people move and deaf people hear. Now, a new generation of neurotechnology promises to revolutionise treatments for a range of conditions that afflict billions of people. We look at the benefits and assess the risks with Jen French, a campaigner for access to neurotechnlolgy who has been using a device for 25 years since a snowboarding accident made her quadriplegic. And Tom Oxley, the CEO of neurotech startup Synchron, explains how 'brain computer interfaces' are giving paralysed patients the ability to use computers and smart phones. They also address concerns about things such as data privacy, unequal access to health tech, and device 'abandonment'. Episode page with transcript: http://wef.ch/46Tt4Rm Watch the video version here: https://youtu.be/KmIMQVUdHBc Links: Network of Global Future Councils: https://initiatives.weforum.org/global-future-council/ Related podcasts: 'We have the most to benefit, but also the most to lose': how AI could transform human health: Check out all our podcasts on wef.ch/podcasts: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@wef Radio Davos - subscribe: https://pod.link/1504682164 Meet the Leader - subscribe: https://pod.link/1534915560 Agenda Dialogues - subscribe: https://pod.link/1574956552

Sep 23, 2025 • 31min
We have entered the age of "persistent disruption" - Visa's Wayne Best on the Chief Economists Outlook
Wayne Best, Chief Economist at Visa, discusses the shift to a new economic reality marked by persistent disruption. He highlights how political changes and trade disruptions have increased uncertainty in the global economy. Best notes that while AI presents opportunities, the productivity gains will take time due to governance challenges. He also contrasts growth and inflation prospects across regions and emphasizes the need for advanced economies to focus on technology while developing countries require capital. Best advises recalibrating strategies to adapt to these new dynamics.

Sep 18, 2025 • 26min
Do you need an AI mentor? This tech entrepreneur thinks so
Kian Katanforoosh, the Founder and CEO of Workera, shares insights on how to navigate an AI-driven job market. He discusses the importance of keeping skills current and how non-technical individuals can begin learning to engage with AI. Kian emphasizes the potential of AI mentors and presents strategies for utilizing agents to personalize learning. He also explores the role of AI in hiring, the value of human input, and offers thoughtful career advice for those entering the workforce. A must-listen for anyone wanting to thrive in the evolving landscape!

Sep 11, 2025 • 38min
How to nudge heavy industry to sustainability: the First Movers Coalition
Around the world, people are developing low-emissions technologies - but they can only succeed if there is market demand. In this episode, we hear how the First Movers Coalition helps create that market by getting big companies to invest in emerging technologies that aim to de-carbonise the 'hard to abate' sectors. And we meet the buyer and seller of low-emissions cement doing just that. Speakers: Noam Boussidan, Programme Head, First Movers Coalition Julia Fidler, Head of Materials and Fuels Decarbonisation, Microsoft Joe Hicken, Senior Vice President of Business Development and Policy, Sublime Systems Links: First Movers Coalition: https://initiatives.weforum.org/first-movers-coalition/home Check out all our podcasts on wef.ch/podcasts: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@wef Radio Davos - subscribe: https://pod.link/1504682164 Meet the Leader - subscribe: https://pod.link/1534915560 Agenda Dialogues - subscribe: https://pod.link/1574956552 Join the World Economic Forum Podcast Club: https://www.facebook.com/groups/wefpodcastclub

Sep 4, 2025 • 45min
What are 'embedded emissions' and can global trade help reduce them?
The European Union is implementing a 'Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism' (CBAM) that will levy a fee on importing certain goods that are produced in countries that lack regulations forcing producers to cut their greenhouse gas emissions. It's an idea that other countries are considering, but is also hugely complex and may be challenged by exporter countries. Two expert guests explain the policy and its implications for business and global trade. Speakers: Aaron Cosbey, Senior Associate, International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) Dandy Rafitrandi, researcher at the Department of Economics, Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), Indonesia Kimberley Botwright, Head, Sustainable Trade, World Economic Forum (co-host) Links: World Economic Forum Centre for Regions, Trade and Geopolitics: https://centres.weforum.org/centre-for-regions-trade-and-geopolitics/home Emissions in trade: Where are they and how do we measure them?: https://www.weforum.org/stories/2025/03/emissions-in-trade-how-we-measure-them/ CBAM: What you need to know about the new EU decarbonization incentive: https://www.weforum.org/stories/2022/12/cbam-the-new-eu-decarbonization-incentive-and-what-you-need-to-know/ What future for climate and trade? Scenarios and strategies for carbon competitiveness?: https://www.weforum.org/publications/what-future-for-climate-and-trade-scenarios-and-strategies-for-carbon-competitiveness/ Countries must deal with imported emissions in a fair and flexible way: https://www.climatechangenews.com/2025/08/27/countries-must-deal-with-imported-emissions-in-a-fair-and-flexible-way/ European Commission on CBAM: https://trade.ec.europa.eu/access-to-markets/en/news/carbon-border-adjustment-mechanism-cbam International Institute for Sustainable Development: https://www.iisd.org/ Centre for Strategic and International Studies: https://www.csis.or.id/ Podcasts: Climate science is clearer than ever. How should companies respond?: https://www.weforum.org/podcasts/radio-davos/episodes/climate-science-policy-business-response/ It was ‘no deal’ on a global plastics treaty - so what happens now?: https://www.weforum.org/podcasts/radio-davos/episodes/plastics-treaty-inc5-gpap/ Tariffs, globalization, and democracy, with Harvard economist Dani Rodrik: https://www.weforum.org/podcasts/radio-davos/episodes/dani-rodrik-economics-globalization-tariffs/ The global economy 'at a crossroads' ahead of Davos: Chief Economists Outlook: https://www.weforum.org/podcasts/radio-davos/episodes/chief-economists-outlook-ralph-ossa-wto/ Check out all our podcasts on wef.ch/podcasts: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@wef Radio Davos - subscribe: https://pod.link/1504682164 Meet the Leader - subscribe: https://pod.link/1534915560 Agenda Dialogues - subscribe: https://pod.link/1574956552 Join the World Economic Forum Podcast Club: https://www.facebook.com/groups/wefpodcastclub

Sep 1, 2025 • 44min
BONUS EPISODE: Ones & Tooze
Welcome to this bonus episode of Radio Davos. A few episodes ago we interviewed author and historian Adam Tooze about geopolitics. Adam has his own podcast, Ones & Tooze, published by Foreign Policy where he is also a columnist. We thought we would pop an episode on the Radio Davos feed so you can take a listen. In this episode, Adam and his co-host Foreign Policy deputy editor Cameron Abadi, look at the state of global development. Radio Davos will be back very soon, in the meantime enjoy this episode of Ones and Tooze. Ones and Tooze show notes: Whither Global Development Some 10 years ago, the United Nations came up with its Sustainable Development Goals, a series of objectives for the world around alleviating poverty and protecting the planet. But these days, it's clear that very few of those goals will be met by the target date of 2030. What happened? And what does the Trump administration's retreat from international development mean for the world? On this episode of Ones and Tooze, a weekly economics podcast from Foreign Policy magazine, hosts Adam Tooze and Cameron Abadi dig in. New episodes of Ones and Tooze are released every Friday. Follow the show on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ones-and-tooze/id1584397047 https://open.spotify.com/show/44pekawcpIJ7KgwcFIgZDr https://foreignpolicy.com/podcasts/ones-and-tooze/ World Economic Forum podcasts: Check out all our podcasts on wef.ch/podcasts: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@wef Radio Davos - subscribe: https://pod.link/1504682164 Meet the Leader - subscribe: https://pod.link/1534915560 Agenda Dialogues - subscribe: https://pod.link/1574956552 Join the World Economic Forum Podcast Club: https://www.facebook.com/groups/wefpodcastclub

Aug 28, 2025 • 58min
Climate science is clearer than ever. How should companies respond?
The politics might change, but the science is clearer than ever. The planet is warming - and even faster than predicted - due to the emission of greenhouse gases. Faced with the facts, where do businesses, policymakers, and the rest of us go from here? We get the latest in climate science from Johan Rockström, director of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, and hear from Sumant Sinha, the head of India-based renewable energy company ReNew, on the outlook for business. The episode is co-hosted by Pim Valdre, head of the World Economic Forum's Climate Ambition Initiative and leader of the Alliance of CEO Climate Leaders. To watch the video-podcast, head to: https://www.youtube.com/@wef/podcasts Links: Alliance of CEO Climate Leaders: https://initiatives.weforum.org/alliance-of-ceo-climate-leaders/ Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research: https://www.pik-potsdam.de/en/home ReNew: https://www.renew.com/ Related podcasts: Can climate action survive geopolitical upheaval? Humans rely on the ocean. Here's how both can thrive Breathe! The cities working together on air pollution and climate change Check out all our podcasts on wef.ch/podcasts: YouTube: - https://www.youtube.com/@wef/podcasts Radio Davos - subscribe: https://pod.link/1504682164 Meet the Leader - subscribe: https://pod.link/1534915560 Agenda Dialogues - subscribe: https://pod.link/1574956552 Join the World Economic Forum Podcast Club: https://www.facebook.com/groups/wefpodcastclub