Forum Stories (2025.3.14)

Forum Stories

Your weekly curated analysis of the top global issues

Welcome to Forum Stories!

In the spotlight this week: In this period of geopolitical turbulence, what does the future hold for sustainable aviation?
We’re also looking at business priorities for leaders in the world of work and the latest thinking on geo-economic volatility and trade tensions.

This week’s newsletter is 773 words, a 3-minute read.

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1. Spotlight: What now for sustainable aviation?

This year marks a critical juncture for the aviation sector as the industry balances sustainability efforts alongside growth. The Forum hosted the inaugural Aviation Day, bringing together the industry’s key stakeholders to look at the future of flight amid geopolitical turbulence and the ever-more ambitious plans for decarbonization.

The publication of the Global Aviation Sustainability Outlook 2025 reveals the risks and opportunities affecting aviation decarbonization progress in 2025. The risks that are top-of-mind for aviation CEOs include the availability and cost of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), along with geopolitical tensions and growing protectionism.

Why it matters: The actions that industry and governments across the world take this year will be vital to ensure the aviation sector remains on course to meet internationally agreed targets. This includes reducing the carbon intensity of jet fuel by 5% by 2030 and reaching net zero by 2050.

Zoom in:

Bridging the SAF investment gap. Global demand for sustainable aviation fuel is expected to reach 17 million tonnes annually by 2030, yet production is lagging. Explore the investment needed for the aviation sector’s transition to net zero by 2050.
With air traffic set to soar 250% in the next 25 years, decarbonizing aviation is urgent. SAF and zero-carbon alternatives are key, but scaling them requires bold investment, innovation and policy action. How can businesses lead the charge?

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2. Competing priorities for business in 2025

From AI adoption to upskilling and sustainability, business leaders are increasingly facing urgent – and often competing – priorities. Experts at Davos explained how leaders can keep people at the centre of their planning.

Promoting employee wellbeing in thriving workplaces could drive up to $11.7 trillion in global economic value. With rising burnout, chronic diseases and shifting work trends, here’s how investing in workforce health boosts long-term business success.
Could you take a day off from technology every week? According to Jonathan Haidt, a ‘digital sabbath’ could reduce some of the potentially negative impacts of smartphone over-use.
There are systemic barriers preventing women entrepreneurs from achieving their full potential. Cherie Blair shares how we can overcome them.

Zoom in:

Closing the economic empowerment gap. McKinsey’s “empowerment line” highlights how businesses play a crucial role here. By tailoring initiatives to local challenges, companies can drive real economic empowerment.
This empowerment starts in schools. Investing in girls’ education is one of the most effective ways to break cycles of poverty, challenge structural inequalities and promote economic growth.
AI red lines. To ensure safe AI systems that benefit all, the Global Future Council on the Future of AI advocates for establishing clear behavioural limits that define unacceptable AI uses and behaviours.

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3. The latest on geo-economic volatility and trade tensions

Tariffs continue to dominate headlines, as the week began with a sharp fall in US stocks over investor concerns about the impact of US tariffs. Mounting trade tensions are having ramifications around the world.

The global economic shift is reshaping business strategies, with emerging cities in Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Middle East becoming key commercial hubs. By investing in infrastructure, connectivity and climate resilience, these cities are turning challenges into opportunities for growth.
The EU and India are working towards a landmark free trade deal, with the potential to unlock new markets, boost innovation and navigate global disruptions together. But what does trade between India and the EU look like?
The middle class is shrinking, but it’s the key to driving a stronger, more resilient economy. In 2025, leaders need to prioritize “the health of the middle class”, says Harvard economist Dani Rodick.

Zoom in:

As states increasingly use the global financial system to advance geopolitical objectives, there is a risk of financial system fragmentation. But at what cost?
ECOWAS has a vision for a unified currency. West African countries are considering the Eco, a single currency that could integrate markets, eliminate currency transaction costs and drive investment into green technologies, accelerating the shift to net zero.
Middle East’s digital payments boom. The region is rapidly becoming the world’s fastest-growing real-time payments market, actively reshaping economic growth and financial inclusion.

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세계경제포럼 4차산업혁명센터, 대한민국 경기도 | C4IR Korea

WEF 4차산업혁명센터 | C4IR Korea

Forum Stories (2025.3.14)

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