The UAE Pavilion at the 56th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum 2026, held in Davos, Switzerland from January 19 to 23, hosted a high-level dialogue session titled “Artificial Intelligence, Sustainability, and the Question of What We Optimise For.”
The session explored the evolving relationship between artificial intelligence and sustainability, examining whether current economic and technological models prioritise what is easiest to measure—such as short-term efficiency and immediate financial returns—over long-term value creation for the economy, society, and the environment within well-defined strategic frameworks.
Delivered by Professor Julia Binder, Professor of Business Transformation at IMD Business School, the session brought together a diverse group of young global leaders participating in the Forum. It focused on the fundamental shift artificial intelligence is driving in how institutions approach growth, competitiveness, and value creation.
Discussions highlighted the need to redefine the concept of value in the age of artificial intelligence. Professor Binder emphasised that economies best positioned for future leadership are those that align algorithms and technological systems with societal and environmental priorities, rather than relying solely on short-term efficiency and profitability metrics.
She noted that artificial intelligence can act as a powerful catalyst for sustainability when its models are designed to optimise resource use, reduce waste, and enable responsible innovation across value chains.
Drawing on her academic and practical experience in organisational transformation, Professor Binder stressed that the central challenge facing institutions is no longer what can be optimised technically, but what should be optimised strategically to support long-term economic sustainability and build future-ready organisations.
The session underscored the critical role of leadership in guiding this transformation, affirming that decisions surrounding the adoption of artificial intelligence are fundamentally leadership and ethical choices before they become technical ones. Participants highlighted the importance of leaders’ ability to interpret global signals of change and translate them into clear strategies, adaptive business models, and resilient organisational cultures capable of responding to rapid and complex change.
The dialogue also examined the circular economy as a key driver of competitiveness in the coming decade. It highlighted how artificial intelligence can support the transition to more efficient and sustainable production and consumption models by optimising value chains, enhancing design-led innovation, and directly linking sustainability with economic growth. Participants agreed that this transition is no longer optional, but essential for building resilient economies in a rapidly evolving global landscape.
Further discussions addressed the importance of viewing global challenges—such as climate change, environmental pressures, and resource constraints—as catalysts for reimagining business models rather than obstacles to growth. The session emphasised that organisations embedding sustainability at the core of their strategies are more likely to achieve long-term competitive advantage, reinforced by market confidence and investor trust.
The role of education and capacity building was also highlighted as a critical enabler of transformation. Participants stressed the need for sustained investment in leadership development, strategic thinking, and cross-disciplinary collaboration, as well as stronger links between research and practical application to ensure that knowledge translates into measurable and lasting impact.
The session concluded by reaffirming that artificial intelligence and sustainability are not separate agendas, but a single, integrated pathway shaping the future of the global economy. It emphasised that the key question for leaders and decision-makers is not what can be optimised today, but what must be optimised to ensure sustainable prosperity for future generations—bringing together innovation, responsibility, and the human dimension of development.
