Open Forum

The Open Forum is an event format that allows a broader audience to participate in the activities of World Economic Forum. Each year since 2003, the Open Forum has been convening in January in the heart of Davos at the local Swiss Alpine School, attracting leaders from all walks of life. Government officials, artists, civil society leaders, innovative entrepreneurs, and CEOs of multinational companies all have a story or point of view to share. The Open Forum welcomes a diverse public to listen, participate and share thoughts, experiences and stories with the panellists on pressing issues.

In the spirit of Davos, the Open Forum aims to stimulate dialogue among thought leaders across topics such as geopolitics, economics, environment, leadership and the role of the arts in society, offering a platform for dialogue between the public and scholars, business leaders and policy-makers focused on improving the state of the world.

The Open Forum aims to encourage dialogue and spread awareness on critical issues by providing a platform on which ideas, thoughts and questions can be expressed and tackled in an open environment. All sessions are broadcast live on our website and can also be watched later.

This year's theme is Justice for All: A World without Barriers

All Abilities Welcome
Monday, 20 January 2025, 18.30-19.45

About 15% of the global population live with disabilities and face significant challenges in education and employment. To ensure equitable opportunities, the education system and the workplace need to be remodelled.
How can we effectively remove barriers and support equal access and opportunities for all?

Empowering Bytes
Tuesday, 21 January 2025, 09.30-10.45

In an increasingly digital world where over 5 billion people are online, and the average person spends more than six hours a day on the internet, safety and accountability must extend beyond the physical realm. What principles and practical approaches are needed to identify and reduce digital risks, prevent harm and promote trust and safety online?

Protecting People from a Changing Climate
Tuesday, 21 January 2025, 12.30-13.45

Climate change disproportionately displaces vulnerable populations with limited resources to adapt or relocate. Rising sea levels, extreme weather, and environmental degradation force millions from their homes, worsening poverty and instability.
How can communities mitigate climate impacts and build resilience to climate change?

Levelling the Playing Field
Tuesday, 21 January 2025, 18.30-19.45

According to the World Economic Forum's Global Gender Gap Report 2024, gender parity is still 134 years away. Even when countries enshrine gender equality in law, gender-based discrimination can persist in practice. What persistent gaps must be tackled to ensure justice and make progress on gender equality?

Balancing the Scales
Wednesday, 22 January 2025, 09.30-10.45

According to the IMF, income inequality is high or increasing in 60% of low- and middle-income countries, with the highest impact being felt on marginalized groups. With rising income inequality threatening growth worldwide, what can be done to bridge this gap?

Powering Progress
Wednesday, 22 January 2025, 12.30-13.45

Nearly a billion people live without electricity, while others suffer from its production. Energy access is a crucial enabler for economic growth, social development, and environmental sustainability. How can the energy transition be leveraged to overcome these obstacles and ensure equitable energy access for all?

WASH-ing Away Inequities
Wednesday, 22 January 2025, 18.30-19.45

The United Nations reports that nearly 3.5 billion people lack safe sanitation and half of the global population faces water scarcity for several months annually. How can we ensure equitable access to safe water and sanitation for all to improve public health?

Making the Case for Nature
Thursday, 23 January 2025, 09.30-10.45

Granting nature legal personhood involves recognizing ecosystems' rights to exist, thrive, and regenerate. This legal framework empowers communities to protect natural resources by allowing lawsuits on behalf of rivers, forests, and other natural entities.
What are the opportunities and challenges in granting nature legal personhood?

Protecting LGBTQI+ Lives
Thursday, 23 January 2025, 12.30-13.45

LGBTQI+ individuals face rising global threats to their safety and well-being. Upholding a full spectrum of rights, protections, and opportunities is crucial to promote equality and dignity. How can government, civil society, and businesses collaborate to ensure inclusivity, reduce stigma, and protect LGBTQI+ lives in hostile environments?

Justice Through Art
Thursday, 23 January 2025, 18.30-19.15

Wrongfully convicted at 16, Gary Tyler spent 42 years in prison, finding refuge in art, which helped him reclaim his identity and express emotions stifled by confinement. Join this conversation with Gary on how he uses his fiber art as a platform to address social justice, expose wounds of mass incarceration, and give a voice to marginalized communities.

Special Movie Screening
Thursday, 23 January 2025, 19.45-20.45

Movie screening, followed by a Q&A with the producer

Building Communities, Brick by Brick
Friday, 24 January 2025, 09.30-10.45

Access to affordable, safe housing is a basic right, but many face poor conditions, homelessness, or are priced out of neighbourhoods, deepening social inequities and division.
How can we ensure housing policies promote social justice and cohesion, and prevent exclusion as well as displacement?

Tackling Exclusions
Friday, 24 January 2025, 12.30-13.45

Marginalized groups continue to face challenges such as discrimination and exclusion when attempting to access social and economic resources. How can governments and businesses build trust and collaborate with marginalized communities and individuals to create targeted and inclusive solutions?