Emirati Pavilion B "Davos" Hosts a dialogue session on the role of artificial intelligence in accelerating sustainability and promoting innovation

Davos, 19 January / WAM / The UAE Pavilion at the 56th session of the World Economic Forum 2026 meetings, which will be held in Davos, Switzerland, during the period from 19 to 23 January this year, hosted a dialogue session entitled “Artificial Intelligence and Sustainability and the Question of What Are We Improving”, which discussed the relationship between artificial intelligence and sustainability, and whether current economic and technological models only improve what is easy to measure, such as efficiency indicators and tangible returns in the short term, or absorb What is most valuable in the long term for the economy, society and the environment, according to specific and clear strategic frameworks and goals.

The session, which was headlined by Professor Julia Bender, Professor of Business Transformation at the International Institute for Management Development, and witnessed the presence of many young global leaders at the forum, focused on the radical transformation that artificial intelligence imposes on the way organizations think about growth, value and competitiveness.

The session discussed the concept of redefining value in the era of artificial intelligence, as it explained that the economies that will achieve excellence in the next stage are those that succeed in aligning algorithms with societal and environmental goals, and not only with indicators of short-term efficiency and profitability.

She pointed out that artificial intelligence can be a tool to accelerate sustainability if its models are designed to support the optimal use of resources, reduce waste, and promote responsible innovation.

Binder, who relied on her practical and research experience in leading institutional transformation globally, emphasized that the question is no longer related to what can be improved technically, but rather what should be improved strategically to serve the sustainability of economies and build companies ready for the future.

The session also focused on the role of leadership in directing this transformation, stressing that decisions related to adopting artificial intelligence are essentially leadership and moral decisions before they are technical.

She stressed the importance of leaders’ ability to read global indicators of change and transform them into clear strategies, flexible business models, and institutional cultures capable of adapting to rapid transformations.

The session touched on the concept of the circular economy as one of the most prominent drivers of competitiveness in the next decade, as it reviewed how artificial intelligence can support the shift towards more efficient and sustainable production and consumption models, by improving value chains, enhancing innovation in design, and linking sustainability directly to economic growth.

She stressed that this transformation is no longer an option, but rather a necessity to build economies capable of resilience in a rapidly changing world.

The session also discussed the importance of transforming global challenges into strategic opportunities, explaining that environmental crises, climate change, and resource pressures represent an incentive to reinvent business models, not an obstacle to growth. Organizations that succeed in integrating sustainability into the core of their strategies will enjoy a long-term competitive advantage, supported by the confidence of markets, investors and communities.

The session highlighted the role of education and capacity building in making this transformation a success, stressing that investing in leadership skills, strategic thinking, and the ability to work across disciplines represents a critical factor in enabling organizations to fully benefit from the potential of artificial intelligence.

She also stressed the need to build real bridges between scientific research and practical application to ensure the transfer of knowledge to tangible impact.

The session concluded by emphasizing that artificial intelligence and sustainability are not two separate paths, but rather one path that reshapes the future of the global economy. The real question that leaders and decision-makers should ask is not what can be improved today, but rather what must be improved to ensure sustainable prosperity for future generations, which reflects a comprehensive vision that combines innovation, responsibility, and the human dimension of development.

The UAE is participating in the current session of the World Economic Forum meetings in Davos, with a high-level delegation that includes more than 100 heads of companies, the private sector, and government officials, continuing its active and distinguished participation in this important international event, which is an annual global platform that contributes to enhancing comprehensive international cooperation in all development fields, especially in areas related to the economic sector.

The UAE pavilion reflects the diversity of the national economy, its broad base in various files and sectors, and its ability to create qualitative value in the fields of energy, trade, finance, industry, technology, and the digital economy.

The focus of the UAE Pavilion sessions on energy, industry, sustainability, and climate finance also reflects the UAE’s position as a major driver in the transition towards a low-emission economy without disrupting energy security or growth.

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