Same snow, same cold weather—in Washington D.C. and Davos, Switzerland. Amid the breathtaking winter backdrop of Washington, I had the privilege of sitting down with Sir Prof. Gabriele Pao-Pei Andreoli, Founder and Director of the World Changers Summit and President of the Institute for Advanced Studies and Cooperation (IASC). Fresh off the success of the World Changers Davos Summit 2025, Sir Prof. Andreoli shared insights from this groundbreaking event, where innovation, unity, and humanity took center stage.
The Summit, held alongside the World Economic Forum, brought together global visionaries, thought leaders, and innovators, reinforcing Davos as a nexus of transformative ideas and collaboration. Here’s what he had to say about the event’s impact, its themes, and what lies ahead for the World Changers Summit.
Patrizia Marin: Sir Prof. Andreoli, congratulations on the success of the World Changers Davos Summit 2025. Could you start by sharing what this Summit means for the global community?
Sir Prof. Gabriele Pao-Pei Andreoli: Thank you, Patrizia. The World Changers Davos Summit is more than an event; it’s a movement that unites visionaries, innovators, and thought leaders to address the most pressing global challenges. This year, we gathered at Lan.Space during the World Economic Forum to celebrate bold ideas and transformative achievements. Our theme—focusing on unity, ethical AI, and sustainability—reflects a shared commitment to fostering collaboration and crafting actionable solutions for a brighter future.
Patrizia Marin: The Summit featured a rich agenda. What were some of the key highlights for you?
Sir Prof. Andreoli: One of the standout moments was the unveiling of the book Transcend: AI and the Future of Humanity. This work delves into the role of artificial intelligence in shaping a harmonious relationship between humanity and technology, emphasizing the importance of ethical integration. Another highlight was the humanitarian art installation Antarctica by Artem Shestakov, who also presented the impactful nonprofit project Faces of Impact. Additionally, the Summit’s discussions around sustainability, innovation, and inclusion were both inspiring and thought-provoking.
Patrizia Marin: The Summit brought together an extraordinary lineup of speakers. Could you tell us more about their contributions?
Sir Prof. Andreoli: Absolutely. We were honored to host a diverse group of speakers, each bringing invaluable expertise to the discussions. Among them were:
- Sheikh Abdul Aziz Al Nuaimi (Green Sheikh) – Environmental adviser to the Government of Ajman, who emphasized the importance of sustainability and responsible environmental stewardship in the region and beyond.
- Basma AlBuharian, PhD – Managing Director at the Centre for Fourth Industrial Revolution Saudi Arabia (a WEF Affiliate Centre), who spoke on the role of emerging technologies in shaping a more resilient and sustainable future.
- Mete AI – Founder of ICB Verse, who provided groundbreaking insights into the intersection of artificial intelligence and decentralized digital ecosystems.
Their perspectives contributed immensely to the depth of discussions and reinforced the importance of ethical leadership in navigating technological and environmental transformations.
Patrizia Marin: Collaboration seemed to be a central theme. Who were some of the key partners, and how did they contribute to the event’s success?
Sir Prof. Andreoli: Our success wouldn’t have been possible without our incredible partners. Organizations like the Red Cross of Northern Macedonia, Iphatia, Lan To Capital, Lan Health, Agata, the Saudi Business Council, and Life Amplified played vital roles. SharingEuropaTV ensured a global audience by live-streaming the event, while Marco Polo Experience provided exceptional press support. Special thanks also go to Gregory Plotkin, aka Nija, for his outstanding media production.
Patrizia Marin: Distinguished guests also graced the event. Who were some of the notable figures in attendance?
Sir Prof. Andreoli: We were privileged to welcome esteemed individuals such as Domenico di Conza, a UN delegate, and Ed McMullen, former U.S. Ambassador to Switzerland. The Summit also honored key contributors, including Sir Dustin Plantholt, MC Dave Crane, and Alena Yudina, whose efforts were invaluable to the event’s success.
Patrizia Marin: The Summit tackled significant themes like unity, ethical AI, and sustainability. What were the main takeaways from these discussions?
Sir Prof. Andreoli: The discussions underscored the importance of leveraging technology for good while prioritizing ethics and inclusivity. We explored how AI can transform industries and education responsibly, the urgency of sustainability for environmental and social equity, and the role of innovation in uniting global communities. These conversations reaffirmed that collaborative action is key to transcending challenges and building a sustainable future.
Patrizia Marin: What’s next for the World Changers Summit and the Institute for Advanced Studies and Cooperation?
Sir Prof. Andreoli: This Summit was a celebration of humanity’s potential to innovate and collaborate. Moving forward, the Institute will continue promoting ethical innovation and cross-border collaboration, uniting diverse perspectives to address critical global issues. We aim to expand our initiatives, ensuring the ideas and partnerships formed here translate into tangible progress.
Patrizia Marin: Any final thoughts you’d like to share?
Sir Prof. Andreoli: I’m deeply grateful to the 200 guests who joined us in person and the 30,000 viewers who tuned in online. This Summit demonstrated what’s possible when we unite under a shared vision for progress. Together, we can navigate the complexities of our world and ensure a brighter, more equitable future for all.
The World Changers Davos Summit 2025 showcased humanity’s extraordinary ability to innovate, collaborate, and transcend challenges and Marco Polo Experience is a proud media partner. As the Institute for Advanced Studies and Cooperation leads the charge toward an ethical and sustainable future, the momentum generated at this year’s Summit promises to drive meaningful change for generations to come.
