The serene town of Davos, Switzerland, once again became the nerve center of global discourse during the 2025 World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting. While previous years saw topics like cryptocurrency dominate discussions, 2025 marked a profound shift in focus. Artificial intelligence (AI) emerged as the defining theme of the forum, signaling its evolution from a futuristic idea into a critical force reshaping industries, economies, and societies. Leaders from all walks of life came together to explore how AI is already transforming the world and to address the complex challenges that come with it.

The atmosphere on the Davos Promenade was electric, reflecting the growing urgency surrounding AI. Its influence is no longer theoretical—businesses and governments alike are increasingly adopting AI technologies to enhance their operations. As one expert put it, “AI isn’t just part of the conversation anymore; it *is* the conversation.”

Few topics have managed to dominate the WEF agenda as comprehensively as AI did in 2025. From generative AI tools like ChatGPT to discussions on Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), the breadth of dialogue was staggering. A recent Accenture survey revealed that 58% of executives expect AI to be fully integrated into their organizations by 2025, a significant leap from 37% the previous year. The pace of AI adoption illustrates the unparalleled speed at which the technology is advancing.

Major companies such as Intel, Salesforce, and Workday placed AI at the forefront of their branding, underscoring its centrality to corporate strategy. Nvidia, a leader in producing AI chips, also captured significant attention, highlighting its integral role in the AI ecosystem. Together, these companies demonstrated how AI has shifted from niche innovation to being an essential enabler of business growth.

While much of the chatter at Davos centered on AI’s potential, the forum also provided a sobering platform to address the risks associated with such rapid progress. Panels delved into issues like ethical oversight, regulatory challenges, and the concept of AGI—AI that could surpass human intelligence. Though opinions varied, one overriding consensus emerged: AI development must be accompanied by robust safeguards to ensure it remains a force for good.

One technology leader captured the sentiment succinctly: “AI isn’t just about efficiency or profitability; its true value lies in its potential to solve some of humanity’s greatest challenges.” Whether it’s tackling climate change, improving healthcare systems, or addressing educational inequities, AI’s possibilities are immense—but only if adopted responsibly. Public and private sector actors agreed that collaboration will be key to managing these challenges, especially as the line between human and machine intelligence continues to blur.

For those accustomed to the central role cryptocurrency once played at Davos, 2025 offered a starkly different landscape. Blockchain technology, a star attraction in previous years, faded into relative obscurity. While crypto payment systems and regulatory concerns were addressed in some sessions, the technology no longer commands the same enthusiasm. As one attendee joked, “Crypto feels like yesterday’s innovation—the fax machine of tech.”

Even so, financial leaders like Bank of America’s CEO acknowledged that crypto still has a role to play, particularly in the context of evolving regulations. But when compared with the surging AI boom, blockchain’s influence at Davos felt dimmed, marking a decisive pivot in technological focus.