Agenda

Trade in Turbulent Times: Navigating Fragmentation, Fairness, and Strategic Growth

Global trade is undergoing significant transformation, influenced by shifting alliances, supply chain disruptions, and evolving regulatory landscapes. As open markets compete with strategic autonomy, nations must rethink how to build resilient, fair, and future-ready economies. This theme explores the tools, choices, and trade-offs shaping the future of global trade.

Key questions: 

1. 1. How can nations and businesses restore trade resilience without compromising competitiveness? 
   2. Can reshoring, nearshoring, and diversification balance risk and opportunity?
   3. Will digital platforms and technologies drive inclusivity and efficiency, rather than exacerbating existing disparities?
   4. Are regional trade blocs the future or a path to deeper fragmentation?
   5. How can resource-rich countries create value at home? 

The Energy Paradox: Can We Compete, Decarbonize, and Stay Secure?

Energy has shifted from being a background enabler of growth to becoming a central arena of strategic competition. Whether investing in renewables, nuclear, hydrogen or LNG, every choice brings trade-offs in cost, scale, and stability. This theme examines how countries can decarbonise while remaining competitive, avoid overreliance on unstable technologies, and tailor their energy transitions to their unique economic realities.

Key questions: 

1. 1. Can countries cut emissions without losing industrial edge? 
   2. Is energy security at odds with rapid decarbonisation? 
   3. Are renewables as reliable as hoped or do we need a backup plan? 
   4. Can hydrogen or nuclear realistically fill the critical gaps in the energy mix?
   5. What does competitive decarbonization look like for different economies? 

AI and the Next Frontier: Can Technology Deliver Sustainable Competitiveness

AI is poised to transform sectors like agriculture, energy, and transport but its benefits are not guaranteed. This theme investigates how AI can support sustainability, improve supply chains, and generate green jobs, while also confronting risks like misinformation, high energy consumption, and uneven access.

Key questions: 

1. 1. Can AI optimise production, predict shortages, and improve price tracking without causing instability?
   2. Will AI balance volatile grids and support renewables, or consume more than it saves?
   3. Can AI build greener logistics and shape eco-conscious consumer habits?
   4. Will AI foster green jobs and education or amplify misinformation and inequality?
   5. How can governments and international institutions ensure equitable access to AI tools, so that technological benefits aren’t concentrated in a few countries?  

Food Under Pressure: Security, Climate, and the New Politics of Agriculture

Food systems are facing intense pressure from climate change, population growth, and geopolitical instability. This theme looks at how technology, behavioural change, and policy can help secure food supplies, reduce waste, and support sustainable consumption while ensuring food remains accessible and affordable in a more crowded, volatile world.

Key questions: 

1. 1. Can tech-enabled, climate-smart farming meet rising global demand?
   2. Are countries too reliant on open markets or prepared for food shocks?
   3. How can circular economy practices reduce waste and ease supply strain?
   4. What role can urban agriculture and localised food systems play in building climate resilience and reducing dependency on global supply chains?
   5. Are plant-based and lab-grown proteins scalable solutions or distractions from deeper food system reform?