The World Ahead 2025

In The World Ahead 2025, Tom Standage highlights ten pivotal trends likely to shape the year, focusing on global shifts and emerging opportunities. Key themes include geopolitical realignments as nations reassess alliances, heightened expectations for newly elected leaders to deliver on promises, and the challenges posed by economic pressures like deficits, tariffs, and protectionism. Meanwhile, China’s leadership in clean technology continues to drive innovation and adoption worldwide, particularly in solar energy, batteries, and electric vehicles.

Advancements in artificial intelligence take center stage, with significant investments aiming to unlock AI’s transformative potential despite current uncertainties around its adoption. Societal changes, from aging populations in some regions to a booming youth demographic in others, prompt discussions about leadership and economic strategies. Disruptions in global travel due to conflict and stricter border controls are also prominent. Standage underscores the importance of preparing for surprises—whether from wild-card events like solar storms or the discovery of ancient texts—making adaptability crucial in navigating the complexities of the year ahead.

Tom Standage’s ten trends to watch in 2025 — Link

 

 

LINK TO DOWNLOAD: Sponsorship and Underwriting Info for WACC’s Distinguished Speaker Series with Tom Standage, Deputy Editor-In-Chief of The Economist & Editor of “The World Ahead 2025”

Program Information: 

Date:
Tuesday, February 4, 2025
Time:
12:00 – 1:00 p.m. ET (Presentation followed by Q&A)
Virtual: 
The Zoom link will be provided upon confirmation of registration
Cost: 
FREE for WACC Members | Free for Students & Teachers| Free for Young Professionals of WACC | Free for World Affairs Council Members — Nationwide | $20 for non-members

For non-online payments: Please call 704-687-7762 or mail your check to “World Affairs Council of Charlotte, 9201 University City Blvd., CHHS 227, Charlotte, NC 28223)

 

 

 

Biography:

Tom Standage is deputy editor of The Economist and editor of its future-gazing annual, The World Ahead. He joined The Economist as science correspondent in 1998 and was subsequently appointed technology editor, business editor and digital editor. He is the author of seven history books, including “Writing on the Wall” (2013), “The Victorian Internet” (1998) and “A History of the World in 6 Glasses” (2005). He studied engineering and computing at Oxford University and has written for other publications including the New York Times, Daily Telegraph, Guardian and Wired, taking a particular interest in technology’s cultural and historical significance.