Data for Policy provides a unique perspective, highlighting the importance of data-driven policymaking in addressing urgent global challenges. As the world grapples with the complexities of climate change, technology regulation and inequality, data science and AI can offer valuable insights for crafting more informed, inclusive, and sustainable policies. Here are some of the key upcoming summits and events in 2025 that we at Data for Policy are eagerly following:
World Economic Forum, Davos, Switzerland (20–24 January) The 2025 World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos will focus on the theme “Collaboration for the Intelligent Age“, convening global leaders to address pressing global challenges. The agenda will revolve around five key priorities: rebuilding trust, reimagining growth, investing in people, safeguarding the planet, and exploring industries in the intelligent age. With over 300 sessions, including 200 live streamed, the forum will facilitate discussions on climate action, economic resilience and technological innovation. Ahead of the Annual Meeting, the World Economic Forum publishes its Global Risks Report each January, offering insights into critical global challenges. This report serves as a key reference, guiding discussions and helping frame the dialogue on both immediate and long-term risks shaping the global agenda. The event serves as a platform for global cooperation, often leading to significant partnerships and policy breakthroughs.
UK Statistics Assembly 2025 (22 January) The UK Statistics Assembly, organised by the UK Statistics Authority in collaboration with the Royal Statistical Society, will take place on January 22, 2025, in central London, with virtual participation also available. This inaugural event provides a platform for diverse voices, including representatives from government, business, academia, civil society and charities to discuss and provide input on the UK’s statistical and data priorities. The Assembly aims to gather a broad range of perspectives to inform the future direction of statistics in the UK. One of the directors of Data for Policy CIC, Professor David Hand, will participate in the Assembly. He will share his reflections on the event, offering valuable insights from his extensive expertise in data science and statistics, contributing to the broader discussions on the future of statistical and data priorities in the UK.
AIFOD (AI for Developing Countries Forum) Winter Summit (27–29 January) The AIFOD Summit will be held in Geneva. This event aims to bridge the gap between cutting-edge AI innovations and the unique needs of developing nations. Born from the vision of a diverse group of tech enthusiasts, humanitarian workers and academics, the summit will focus on making AI a universal opportunity, rather than a privileged commodity. The forum serves as a global platform for sharing ideas, fostering partnerships and driving sustainable, inclusive solutions that can uplift communities in developing regions. Participants from across the world will unite to discuss AI’s role in societal transformation and explore opportunities for meaningful change.
AI Action Summit Paris, France (10–11 February) The Artificial Intelligence (AI) Action Summit, set to take place at the Grand Palais in Paris, will convene Heads of State and Government, along with AI experts, policymakers, and stakeholders. The summit will focus on key issues such as public interest AI, the future of work, trust in AI, and global AI governance. It aims to explore AI’s impact on various sectors, from healthcare to employment, and tackle global challenges like gender equality and climate change. Data for Policy will closely follow the summit, as it aligns with our emphasis on AI governance and data-driven policymaking. The summit presents a vital opportunity to discuss how AI can be integrated into policy frameworks that ensure its equitable and sustainable use. By promoting transparency and inclusivity, the summit will help shape global AI governance, aligning with our commitment to creating sustainable, data-driven solutions in policy.
G7 Summit, Kananaskis, Alberta, Canada (June) The 2025 G7 Summit, to be held in Kananaskis, Alberta, will focus on key global issues such as climate change, economic growth, and evolving technologies. Canada, as the host country, will lead discussions with G7 partners to tackle challenges and foster inclusive global policies. Past G7 summits have addressed critical areas like security, gender equality, and climate change, with Canada’s presidency ensuring continued international leadership on these issues.
The Internet Governance Forum (IGF) (June) The 20th Annual Internet Governance Forum (IGF) will be held in June 2025 in Oslo, Norway. This event will bring together stakeholders from government, private sector, civil society, academia, and the technical community to discuss key digital governance issues. Topics will include AI, cybersecurity, data governance, digital inclusion, and global cooperation. The IGF promotes multi-stakeholder dialogue, shares best practices, and informs policy-making, culminating in recommendations for global decision-making bodies. It features dedicated tracks for government ministers, industry leaders, and youth participants.
AI for Good Global Summit 2025, Geneva (8–11 July) The AI for Good Global Summit, organised by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in partnership with over 40 UN sister agencies and co-convened with the Government of Switzerland, serves as the UN’s leading platform for leveraging AI to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). With five years remaining to achieve the SDGs, the summit will focus on trustworthy AI applications, skills development, standards for responsible AI use, and advancing global AI governance to ensure no one is left behind.
The High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (14–23 July) The UN’s High-level Political Forum, taking place in New York, will review the progress made on the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The 2025 forum’s theme, “Advancing sustainable, inclusive, science- and evidence-based solutions for the 2030 Agenda and its SDGs for leaving no one behind”, underscores the importance of data-driven, evidence-based approaches to achieving the SDGs. Among the SDGs to be reviewed in-depth are Goals 3 (Good Health and Well-being), 5 (Gender Equality), 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), 14 (Life Below Water), and 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). AI will play a key role in these discussions, highlighting its potential to accelerate progress across these critical areas.
Global Forum on AI and Digital Transformation in the Public Sector, Paris, France (4–5 September) Hosted by UNESCO, this forum will bring together policymakers, academics, and industry leaders to explore how AI and digital transformation can reshape public services and governance. As governments embrace emerging technologies, Data for Policy will emphasize the importance of creating data-driven policies to guide these transformations. By ensuring transparency, inclusivity, and accountability, AI can be harnessed to improve governance while respecting ethical standards.
Opening of the UN General Assembly, New York, United States (9–23 September) The 80th UN General Assembly will prioritise multilateral cooperation to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a focus on poverty alleviation, conflict resolution, and strategies for accelerating global sustainability. As the main policy-making body of the UN, it provides a forum for international discussions, where decisions are made on key matters like electing the Security Council’s non-permanent members and approving the UN budget. The Assembly meets annually from September to December.
CogX Leadership Summit 2025, London, UK (23 September) The CogX Leadership Summit on AI will bring together global leaders, policymakers, and industry experts to explore the transformative potential of AI and emerging technologies. The event will focus on strategies for harnessing AI’s opportunities while maintaining public trust and ethical standards. Key discussions will address regulatory approaches, policy frameworks, and innovation strategies. With its five core pillars – Inspirational Editorial, Executive Programme, Expo & Awards, Premier Networking, and Research & Intelligence – the summit offers a dynamic platform for collaboration and forward-thinking dialogue on the evolving AI landscape.
G20 Summit, Johannesburg, South Africa (22–23 November) In November 2025, South Africa will host the G20 Summit in Johannesburg, marking the first time the country assumes the presidency of this influential group. South Africa has outlined four key priorities for its G20 presidency: debt relief for developing countries, enhancing resilience against global economic and environmental shocks, advancing climate finance, and ensuring that the extraction of critical minerals benefits the countries of origin. These priorities reflect South Africa’s commitment to addressing global challenges and promoting sustainable development, economic equity, and climate action on the global stage. The summit is expected to foster meaningful dialogue and collaboration on pressing global issues, with a strong focus on advancing the interests of the Global South.
ASEAN and East Asia Summit, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (Date TBD) The 20th East Asia Summit (EAS) will be held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in 2025. This annual gathering of Heads of States and Governments from the EAS participating countries aims to address broad strategic, political, and economic issues of common concern. Established in 2005, the EAS provides a platform for dialogue and cooperation, with a focus on promoting peace, stability, and prosperity in East Asia. Key priority areas include environment and energy, education, finance, global health, pandemic diseases, natural disaster management, and ASEAN connectivity. Emerging issues like food security, maritime security, and trade will also be on the agenda. The summit plays a crucial role in fostering collaboration on global challenges and strengthening regional cooperation.
The BRICS Summit, Brazil (Date TBD) Brazil has officially assumed the presidency of BRICS starting in January 2025, marking a significant moment for the bloc. With the recent inclusion of Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the UAE, Ethiopia, and Iran, BRICS has solidified its position as a key platform for cooperation among emerging economies. Under Brazil’s leadership, the presidency will prioritize strengthening Global South collaboration and advocating for reforms in global governance. Brazil’s agenda focuses on key areas such as boosting trade and investment, regulating artificial intelligence responsibly, addressing climate change through enhanced financing, improving public health cooperation, and fortifying the internal structures of BRICS. Brazil will host over 100 meetings in Brasília, leading up to the BRICS Summit in July 2025, where the group will shape its future trajectory.
Across these events, Data for Policy advocates for evidence-based policymaking, with a particular focus on the responsible use of AI and emerging technologies. The community emphasises the need for global cooperation in developing inclusive, transparent, and ethical frameworks for AI, ensuring that all countries, including the Global South, have the tools and support necessary to navigate digital transformation.