The UAE pavilion in Davos showcases the role of artificial intelligence in sustainability and innovation

The UAE pavilion at the 56th session of the World Economic Forum 2026 meetings, held in Davos, Switzerland, during the period from January 19 to 23, 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 indicators of efficiency and tangible returns in the short term, or accommodate what is more valuable in the long term for the economy and society. and the environment, according to specific and clear strategic frameworks and objectives.

The session, which was chaired by IMD Business Transformation Professor Julia Bender and was attended by many of the 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 leaders in directing this transformation, stressing that decisions related to adopting artificial intelligence are essentially leadership and ethical decisions, before they are technical, and 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, and stressed that this transformation is no longer an option, but rather a necessity to build economies capable of withstanding 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, and that institutions 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 crucial factor in enabling institutions to fully benefit from the potential of artificial intelligence. It also stressed the necessity of building 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 is reshaping the future of the global economy, and that 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 forum’s meetings, 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.