Klaus Schwab, Chairman of the World Economic Forum, called for immediate international collaboration to manage the swift advancements in artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and cryptocurrencies at the World Governments Summit 2025 in Dubai. He noted that, unlike previous industrial revolutions, the current transformation allows only years, not generations, for adaptation.
Schwab commended the UAE’s early appointment of an AI minister in 2017, recognising the nation’s proactive approach to technological change. He stated, “This transformation has redefined the foundations of global economies, now based on knowledge, data, and intelligent insights. This means that governments need to adapt at lightning speed.”
Schwab emphasised the necessity for governments to develop talent, citing World Economic Forum research indicating that 50% of jobs will be directly or indirectly impacted within the next 5-10 years. He also called for international cooperation in establishing ethical policies for emerging technologies, acknowledging their potential for both benefit and harm.
