Davos 2025: Key Supply Chain Sustainability Learnings
The World Economic Forum’s (WEF) 2025 Annual Meeting, held in Davos, Switzerland from 20-24 January, unfolded under the banner of ‘Collaboration for the Intelligent Age’.
The theme set the stage for dynamic discussions on AI, digitalisation and the energy transition. Key points emphasised were rebuilding trust, reimagining growth, investing in people, safeguarding the planet and navigating industries through the intelligent age.
A significant focus on sustainability – including within supply chains – permeated all these priorities.
"I am more positive now than I was a week ago," remarked Angela Hultberg, Global Sustainability Director at Kearney. "I fully expected sustainability topics to be set aside, but this was not the case."
Hein Schumacher, CEO of Unilever, shared his optimism via social media, highlighting the potential he sees in collaboration, technological innovation and systemic change when it comes to addressing sustainability challenges.
He added: "I am a strong believer that AI will have a positive impact in helping to get that done."
Building resilient supply chains
Discussions at Davos underscored the pivotal role of resilience in global supply chains.
Vincent Clerc, CEO of A.P. Moller – Maersk, highlighted: "Attending Davos this week highlighted just how critical it is to build resilience in global supply chains. Solving challenges at scale demands meaningful action, collaboration and solutions that deliver real impact."
Every conversation offered valuable insights, whether about strengthening partnerships, driving economic growth or advancing sustainability in logistics.
"What unites us is the shared commitment to progress that benefits industries, nations, and communities alike," Vincent added.
Angela went on to highlight the necessity to rethink the entire value chain for sustainability: "Regionalisation, dual supply chains, resilience and modernisation will all be necessary, not only for sustainability purposes, but also to remain competitive."
Technological impact
Christian Bruch, CEO at Siemens Energy, expressed his optimistic outlook despite the differing viewpoints and numerous uncertainties.
He stated: "The World Economic Forum reminds us of the power of collaboration and forward thinking, demonstrating how working together can shape the upcoming Intelligent Age into one that is not only smarter but also more energy-efficient."
Morten Wierod, CEO at ABB, underscored the readiness of technologies to tackle the energy challenge.
"Industries everywhere are pushing to run cleaner: boost energy efficiency, embrace electrification and plug in more renewables," he explained.
"But electrifying everything means building the infrastructure to support it. Grids are the backbone of this transition and, to meet the demand by 2040, we’ll need to expand the global grid’s capacity by 100%. The clock is ticking."
While clean energy tends to dominate sustainability discussions, AI's transformative impact on various industries, from maritime to automotive, is increasingly being acknowledged.
"AI is getting real," Morten observed. "It’s transforming industries today, helping businesses run leaner and cleaner."
Enhancing collaboration
Marie-Claire Daveu, Chief Sustainability and Institutional Affairs Officer at Kering, emphasised the role of emerging technologies and collaborative partnerships in driving sustainability progress.
She said: "The roles of collaborative partnerships and coalitions are important here – defining shared goals, exchanging best practices, leveraging unique strengths and influencing economies of scale can fill the gap between ideas and measurable action."
Jim Andrew, Chief Sustainability Officer at PepsiCo, echoed the themes of action and collaboration as pivotal for progress: "I’m optimistic and excited for what’s ahead."
Finally, Chris Leong, Chief Sustainability Officer at Schneider Electric, reiterated the collective potential to turn bold ideas into significant actions, concluding: "By harnessing digital solutions, automation and electrification, together we journey towards a smarter, more efficient and resilient world."
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