It’s time to amplify dialogue and collaboration

Attending the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos is always a privilege and my trip to Switzerland last month was no exception. In the space of just a few days I had the opportunity to engage with leaders from business, politics, and civic society.?

In our increasingly complex and unpredictable world, we are compelled to confront challenging questions about the impact – both positive and negative – that our actions have. As WEF celebrates its 55th year, these questions resonate more than ever. I firmly believe that uniting decision-makers and influencers from all sectors of society is crucial in today’s landscape.

This year’s event was undeniably influenced by the US inauguration which in addition to AI and ESG heavily shaped themes of my meetings, conversations, and sessions. Business leaders are acutely aware of the fragility of our planet, yet I found inspiration in the collective determination to unlock new growth opportunities. Embracing key innovations, such as artificial intelligence (AI), is essential in this endeavor.

Throughout the week, I engaged with many of our 450 KPMG clients and intermediaries, each bringing diverse backgrounds, industries, and geographies. Common themes emerged: a strong sense of social and fiscal responsibility, coupled with cautious optimism about the long-term future.

While the pandemic may feel like a distant memory, the quest for sustainable global growth has been a persistent challenge. CEOs and board members are grappling with pressing issues, from rising living costs to supply chain disruptions and geopolitical tensions.

This blend of caution and anticipation is not surprising, but it is reassuring to see businesses beginning to integrate adaptability and agility into their operations. Uncertainty has become the norm, and we are learning to navigate this more complex environment.

In addition to my client meetings at WEF, I co-hosted an exclusive panel titled: “Intelligent Economies: Driving growth through inclusive AI” alongside Brad Smith, Vice Chair and President of Microsoft, Deemah AlYahya, Secretary General DCO, and Rob Goldstein, COO BlackRock.? This insightful session, allowed us to delve into the launch of our Blueprint for Intelligent Economies, emphasizing the critical decision points that governments, businesses, and non-profits must consider today to collaboratively establish the foundations of the new economies of intelligence.

As I reflect on Davos, I’m more convinced than ever that an inclusive, ethical adoption of AI that embraces collaboration and gets public and private leaders working together will drive growth and could spur on the ‘Fourth Industrial Revolution’. You can read more on my thoughts in an exclusive blog I wrote for the World Economic Forum.

With AI such a dominant theme in Davos, my colleagues throughout KPMG International were always leading the conversation. That included our Global CEO and Chairman, Bill Thomas, who participated in a panel moderated by Vijay Vaitheeswaran from The Economist, where they discussed strategies for ensuring more equitable access to the benefits of AI as the global race for AI leadership intensifies.

AI was also a focal point at the Women in Leadership event at Davos themed “Driving inclusivity through tech and AI”. Nhlamu Dlomu, KPMG’s Global Head of People, hosted this invitation only gathering which brought together a distinguished group of leaders for an engaging panel discussion. They shared practical strategies and examples of how leaders are addressing the tech gender gap to promote female advancement and foster more inclusive AI.

As I conclude this month’s article, I extend my warmest wishes to those celebrating the Lunar New Year. This time of year, traditionally brings families and friends together to focus on good fortune and prosperity. Let us all embrace this spirit of togetherness and hope for a return to a path of sustainable, long-term growth that benefits us all.