Every year, prominent global leaders, business executives and changemakers attend the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting. Held each year in Davos, Switzerland, the WEF Annual Meeting brings together global leaders to discuss the world’s biggest challenges — from economic growth and technological advancement to social progress and sustainability. Together, WEF attendees collaborate on solutions for these pressing issues.
At the 2025 WEF Annual Meeting, creating economic opportunity and digital connectivity, especially for communities across the world that often lack access to resources, took center stage in many discussions.
Robert F. Smith, Founder, Chairman and CEO of Vista Equity Partners, participated in a panel titled “Reinventing Digital Inclusion,” which explored ways to help communities access technology and take advantage of the efficiencies of generative AI. Smith discussed a practical approach to boosting economic growth in developing countries by focusing on digital literacy. In addition, he outlined strategies for building digital infrastructure and attracting investment from venture capital and private equity firms.
Karen Tso, Co-Anchor and Journalist of CNBC International (Europe), moderated the panel, which consisted of Smith; Strive Masiyiwa, Founder and Executive Chairman of Cassava Technologies; Fatoumata Ba, Founder and Executive Chair of Janngo Capital; and Paula Ingabire, Minister of Information Communication Technology and Innovation for Rwanda.
Below, we discuss the overall impact of the WEF Annual Meeting, the mission of the EDISON Alliance and Smith’s impact on the initiative.
The Importance of the WEF Annual Meeting
The WEF Annual Meeting plays a critical role in understanding the root of the issues to drive innovative solutions that strengthen economies and promote global cooperation. Leaders across industries share insights, propose policies and launch initiatives aimed at improving economic opportunity, sustainability and digital access. The goal is not just to discuss challenges but create real solutions that benefit people and societies worldwide.
One of WEF’s most powerful tools is its focus on public-private partnerships. By bringing together governments, businesses and nonprofit organizations, WEF helps create strategies that balance economic growth with social responsibility. Initiatives that come out of WEF lead to developments in areas like financial inclusion, environmental sustainability, healthcare and education.
The EDISON Alliance and the Fight for Digital Equality
Smith’s panel highlighted the work of the EDISON Alliance, an initiative to expand worldwide digital access launched by WEF. The Alliance brings together governments, businesses and nonprofit organizations to create sustainable solutions for digital inclusion. By expanding broadband access, investing in digital skills training and supporting technology-driven financial services, the Alliance is working to empower communities that often lack access to these tools and services.
When the Alliance was launched, leaders set a goal to digitally connect one billion people by the end of 2025, officially called the 1 Billion Lives Challenge. By uniting over 200 partners from the public and private sectors, the Alliance achieved the 1 Billion Lives Challenge 15 months ahead of schedule. However, while one billion people now have greater access to the digital world, billions more are still left behind without these essential tools, and the rapid growth of AI threatens to widen this gap even further. The digital divide remains a major challenge, and many of the Alliance’s champions, such as Smith, are dedicated to pushing forward and expanding efforts to close it.
Learn more about the EDISON Alliance and what it is doing to help people across the globe by visiting its website. Read more from EDISON Alliance founding members Smith and Hans Vestberg in their TIME article about the 2025 WEF Annual Meeting and the work of the Alliance.
