SDIM24: Full coverage on Building Equitable Futures from the World Economic Forum

Though the world faces a range of societal, economic and geopolitical shifts, it is also seeing rapid innovation and technological change.

How we choose to act in this pivotal moment can either widen gaps in a fragmented world or mitigate risks while building inclusive and sustainable economies.

Choices like these facing leaders will help shape the discussions at this year's Sustainable Development Impact Meetings at the New York office of the World Economic Forum this September.

This month brings key milestone moments to make an inclusive, sustainable future possible including The Summit of the Future.

Held by the UN General Assembly in New York 22-23 September, this is a chance to consider future work needed towards commitments such as the 2030 Agenda and Paris Agreement. The event was billed by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres as a “once-in-a-generation opportunity to reinvigorate global action” towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

When the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development created the 17 SDGs back in 2015, AI and other emerging digital technologies were still nascent. Among other key areas, the Summit will address the challenges they present as well as their potential to “turbocharge the SDGs”, maximize cooperation and leave no one behind.

World leaders at the Summit will adopt a Pact for the Future, which emphasizes the need for "strong and sustained international cooperation", and is guided by the principles of human rights and gender equality.

It includes key commitments on sustainable development and financing, international peace and security, youth and future generations, transforming global governance, as well as 'science, technology and innovation and digital cooperation'.

A Global Digital Compact will also be adopted with its first objective being to "close all digital divides".

The World Economic Forum's Sustainable Development Impact Meetings directly follow the UN Summit - convening leaders from politics, business and civil society to drive action and partnerships for advancing the SDGs.

SDIM brings together the Forum’s communities with the goal to inspire and renew commitments for a sustainable, inclusive future. They will look ahead to the Forum’s Annual Meeting in Davos in January.

Throughout the week, new reports will be launched and leaders' dialogues will focus on building equitable futures, from economic growth and opportunity, to connectivity, strengthening food systems and achieving global health equity.

Highlights planned for the week are below. Here's what else you need to know about equitable futures at SDIM.

This year’s Global Risks Report drove home the stark reality that geopolitical conflicts by a wider set of powers could lead to "deadlier, prolonged warfare and overwhelming humanitarian crises." Several sessions explore what's needed to work towards resilience, peace, and security.

Human trafficking, forced labour and modern slavery continue to be endemic in supply chains and societies. Despite ongoing efforts, over 50 million people worldwide are living in slavery. How can leaders from the public sector, private sector and civil society work together to translate commitment into strategic action?

New and ongoing emergencies are putting the humanitarian system under pressure, and funding for humanitarian crises around the world has fallen by 18% compared with 2023. How can private sector actors help to alleviate this crisis?

Uneven access to everything from financing to technology could make it difficult for every economy to tap into the advantages of the years to come, with implications for workers and communities. Several sessions explore how the challenges ahead will impact growth and inequality and what leaders will need to prioritize now.

While income inequality has risen to its highest level in three decades, the risk of political shifts in major economies could also have a significant impact on long-term economic sustainability. How can global leaders navigate these ongoing risks to ensure sustainable growth?

In the face of evolving industry needs and workforce transitions, business-labour cooperation is more vital than ever. What is needed to cultivate business-labour partnerships to grow the American economy and industries?

Over the next five years, nearly a quarter of all jobs and 44% of workers’ skills will face disruption due to such factors as geoeconomics, technology and the green transition. This requires placing people at the core of technological and economic shifts, aiming to foster progress and ensure that individuals are equipped to thrive. Key sessions will address this need, including the following:

Generative AI holds the potential to transform a broad range of economic activities and to help address the world's most pressing development challenges. However, the benefits of this technological revolution are not yet shared by all globally.
What actions can policy-makers and innovators take now to realize AI's promise while ensuring that its benefits lead to shared prosperity for all?

The EDISON Alliance has positively impacted the lives of 1 billion people around the world by promoting digital connectivity, ensuring affordability and scaling usability. Despite this historic milestone, one third of the world's population remains offline. What lessons can be learned from recent successes in enabling connectivity and what role will new tools like AI play in continuing progress to digital equity?

From burnout to challenges faced in developing minds, the economic burden of poor mental health is projected to cost $6 trillion globally by 2030, greater than that of cancer, diabetes and respiratory ailments combined. How can leaders contend with the current state of mental well-being and implement interventions that prioritize mental health?

With the urgent global demand for 44 million teachers by 2030, AI-driven tools are transforming the educational landscape and reshaping digital literacy. How can AI empower educators, enhance teacher training, and seamlessly integrate technology to improve learning outcomes?

What is 'inclusive trade' and how can trade policies improve workers' lives?

Brain gain: How improving brain health benefits the economy

Meet the finalists of the Schwab Foundation Social Innovation Awards 2025

Watch live-streamed sessions from the meeting here and join the conversation on social media using hashtag #SDIM24