The 30th edition of Global Forum Shaping the Future featured two days of engaging discussions and intensive networking, exploring the most pressing challenges and opportunities at the intersection of technology, sustainability, and humanity.

Kicking off with a splendid welcome reception on Sunday evening at the Telefónica Movistar Club VIP Lounge at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano Stadium, the iconic home of Atlético de Madrid, Global Forum Shaping the Future 2025 took place on 27–28 October at the UPM Higher Technical School of Telecommunications Engineers (ETSIT) in Madrid. 

The event was set off highlighting the dramatic developments that mark the present time. While technical progress offers unprecedented opportunity, the world experiences deepening challenges, turmoil, and insecurity.  Reflecting this theme, a virtual address by filmmaker Michael P. Nash introduced an exclusive preview of his ongoing project Chasing Truth, which explores AI’s potential to address global challenges, igniting hope and inspiration for the future. 

The 29th edition of the Global Forum, which took place in Muscat, Oman – represented the first time its major event was hosted outside the OECD - radiated the strengths of unique cultural heritage blended with high-tech and modernity. For that event, IKED assumed a prominent role in the organising, partly linked to the engagement of Water & Humanity, the vibrant network centered in the Middle East. Additionally, IKED coordinated the participation of URBiNAT, an EU sponsored research and innovation project spearheading innovation in the urban environment and introducing novel approaches to inclusion and co-creation by vulnerable communities. On the present occasion, the 30th edition, IKED introduced GoNaturePositive!, another Horizon project which is on course to identify and pursue operational strategies to catalyse transformational change in support of a Nature-Positive Economy. This edition, held in the Spanish capital, Madrid, benefitted from highlights of remarkable technological advances, coupled with sports and culture, embracing inclusion while combating outstanding environmental issues. 

This year’s overarching topic, Transformational Change: Building a Collaborative Future, focused on the pressing challenges and opportunities emerging at the intersection of technology, sustainability, and humanity. Over two days, around 150 experts, thought leaders, business representatives, and decision-makers from across the globe gathered in Madrid to explore topics ranging from digital infrastructure and urban transformation to next-generation of digital technologies including AI, Web3, and blockchain. Deliberations addressed data management, the ongoing transition confronting energy and water systems, cybersecurity, and digital ethics, health, and Nature-based Solutions as a driver of a Nature-Positive Economy. Throughout, participants concluded on the importance of innovation, aligning conflicting interests in support of  collaboration from local to global, and responsible progress towards a sustainable and inclusive digital future. 

Among other contributions of the hosting city, Digitalisation Minister Miguel López-Valverde Argüeso highlighted the need for open-mindedness and a future-ready digital ecosystem. The city demonstrated means of realising synergies between different sectors in realising urban transformation. Further, the programme featured Rocío Torres, Head of Sustainability and Responsible Business at Atlético de Madrid, who shared how the Club integrates sustainability and responsible practices to generate positive social and environmental impact.

Following the successful conclusion of this year’s event, the Global Forum with partners will be preparing the Madrid Call for Action 2025, a joint commitment reflecting the Forum’s collaborative spirit and guiding future efforts at the intersection of technology, sustainability, and humanity.  This document follows upon the Muscat Call 2022, which was issued following the previous event. 

Muscat Call 2022