WEF 2024: Creating Impact at Davos

Back at the 54th Annual Meeting of The World Economic Forum, Davos

In January 2024, delegates from across the globe convened at the 54th Annual Meeting of The World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. 

Thanks to Addecco and GAN Global, I headed back to the Magic Mountain this time as a delegate, representing Purpose, in my role of Head of Global Partnerships. This gathering, renowned for its convergence of world leaders, innovators, and changemakers, continues to serve as a pivotal moment to exchange ideas, forge collaborations, and chart pathways toward a more equitable and sustainable future.

Amidst the hustle and bustle of Davos, a subtle yet profound truth emerged: impact doesn’t happen overnight. It takes years to nurture the desired outcome and the conversations we had during that week will bear fruit in 3-5 years if we have the guts to stick to our convictions and follow through with our plans. 

To champion the ideas from conception to reality. As I embarked on this journey, the reality of effecting change became clear—it isn’t always flashy or grandiose. It’s found in the mundane moments, the quiet conversations, and the shared aspirations of individuals striving for progress. Beyond the glitz and glamor of Davos, the true essence of impact lies in small yet meaningful actions, the incremental steps forward, and the unwavering commitment to making a difference. 

The overarching theme of “Rebuilding Trust” resonated strongly, with a significant focus on the impact of AI across various domains of life and work. Discussions and contributions highlighted concerns surrounding equity in AI, reflecting a growing awareness of the need for fairness and inclusivity in technological advancements. 

This theme serves as a gentle reminder that while the road to change may be challenging, it’s the everyday efforts and unexpected encounters that pave the way for a lasting impact.

Creating a real impact requires 3 things you may not initially consider — time, resources, and champions.

Time

In social impact, time plays a crucial role in the path to meaningful change. At Davos, I witnessed firsthand how time shapes the trajectory of initiatives and campaigns. Often in our world, there is a feeling of rushing towards the immediate and momentary, a need to satiate our hunger for impact in the face of the giant issues we battle. It became evident that great transformation doesn’t happen overnight; this requires sustained effort and investment over time.

Throughout the conference, discussions highlighted the importance of long-term planning and commitment to affecting real change. Examples such as the launch of Hologic’s Third Global Women’s Health Index and IQVIA’s Collaborative Surveillance partnership 

underscored the value of patience and persistence in achieving significant milestones. These initiatives, developed over time, demonstrate the effectiveness of strategic planning and consistent effort in driving social impact.

At the community level, the time is equally significant. Grassroots movements and local initiatives often require years of dedication and grassroots organizing to yield tangible results. From building awareness to enacting policy change, the passage of time serves as a measure of progress and resilience in the face of complex social challenges.

Resources

Amid the diverse array of topics covered during the Annual Meeting, the healthcare space continued to emerge as a point holding dynamic change. Recognizing the potential for impactful change through community engagement, I have had several insightful discussions around leveraging resources and forging partnerships that drive meaningful initiatives forward.

Davos, renowned for its networking opportunities, facilitated connections with numerous individuals and organizations. As we reflect on our engagements, the true measure of success lies in our ability to translate conversations into actionable opportunities. 

Champions

In the dynamic landscape of social impact, champions emerge as catalysts for change, embodying the values and mission of Purpose on a global scale. At the 54th Annual Meeting of The World Economic Forum in Davos, the collective efforts of individuals and organizations dedicated to driving progress forward were evident, resonating with the ethos of Purpose’s commitment to advancing social change.

Champions, whether they walk the halls of power or labor tirelessly in grassroots movements, are instrumental in galvanizing support and mobilizing communities toward a shared vision of a better world. Through their advocacy and action, champions amplify the voices of marginalized communities, challenge systemic injustices, and champion causes aligned with Purpose’s core values of equity, justice, and sustainability.

One truth has become abundantly clear: champions are the lifeblood of Purpose’s transformative work, embodying the spirit of collaboration and collective action necessary to address the world’s most pressing challenges.

Future Steps

Wrapping on the 54th Annual Meeting of The World Economic Forum in Davos, it’s clear that impactful change requires a collective effort. Throughtime, resources, and champions, Purpose’s mission to drive social change continues.

From the whispers of possibility to the resounding calls for action, Davos provided a platform for meaningful conversations and collaborations, reminding us of the importance of strategic partnerships and shared goals. As we move forward, the lessons learned from Davos guide us in our pursuit of equity and justice.

The conversations and encounters, though fleeting, planted seeds of hope and possibility, nurturing the collective vision of a more equitable and sustainable world.

As we navigate the complexities of the social impact landscape, one truth remains self-evident: the journey toward change is neither linear nor solitary. It’s a collective endeavor, fueled by the tireless efforts of champions and the unwavering support of allies, guided by the timeless wisdom of experience and the boundless potential of innovation.

The discussions surrounding time, resources, and champions underscored the multifaceted nature of social impact and the importance of strategic foresight in driving sustainable change. In a world often consumed by immediacy, Davos served as a poignant reminder of the enduring value of long-term investment and steadfast commitment to affecting real change.

As we embark on the journey ahead, let us remain steadfast in our resolve to champion causes aligned with Purpose’s core values of equity, justice, and sustainability. Let us harness the collective power of champions—individuals and organizations dedicated to driving progress forward—to confront the world’s most pressing challenges with courage and conviction.