Introduction

The World Economic Forum's Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland, held from January 20–24, 2025, centered on the theme "Collaboration for the Intelligent Age." This forum addressed pressing global issues and provided a platform for leaders to discuss solutions across key areas, including economic stability, technological advancements, environmental sustainability, social inclusion, and global trade dynamics. SEALSQ took center stage, advocating for a quantum-secure future that prioritizes humanity's digital resilience in an era of rapid technological transformation.

Chapter 1: The Stage - Davos 2025 and a Human-Centric Vision

Setting the Scene

Davos 2025 gathered world leaders, tech pioneers, policymakers, and human rights advocates to deliberate on how technology should serve humanity rather than control it. The discussions highlighted the widening digital divide, the ethical challenges of AI, and the looming quantum cybersecurity crisis. The urgency to develop responsible digital governance frameworks was a focal point of many sessions.

SEALSQ’s Mission at Davos 2025

SEALSQ positioned itself as a thought leader in quantum security, emphasizing the need to:

• Ensure digital sovereignty by protecting personal and national data from cyber threats.
• Implement post-quantum security solutions to prepare for the impact of quantum computing on encryption.
• Promote ethical AI governance to prevent bias and misuse of artificial intelligence.

Two key events solidified SEALSQ’s presence:

• Quantum Security Roundtable (January 22, Morosani Schweizerhof Hotel), discussing post-quantum cryptographic frameworks.
• Keynote at EmTech Invest (January 22, Grandhotel Belvédère), unveiling SEALSQ’s next-generation quantum-safe security solutions.

Chapter 2: Pope Francis' Message to the 2025 World Economic Forum

Ethics and Morality in the Age of AI

In his address, Pope Francis emphasized the moral obligations of technology developers and policymakers. His message resonated deeply with the conference’s theme, urging leaders to prioritize human dignity over economic efficiency.

Key Takeaways:

• AI must serve humanity, not dominate it: AI should foster human dignity, fraternity, and justice rather than exacerbate inequalities.
• Ethical vigilance is required: AI’s unforeseen consequences necessitate ethical oversight.
• Technology must not deepen social inequalities: AI advancements must contribute to a fairer world, not create new digital divides.

His speech challenged industry leaders to develop AI governance frameworks ensuring transparency, accountability, and alignment with human values.

Chapter 3: The Quantum Security Roundtable - Safeguarding Humanity’s Digital Future

Session Overview

This roundtable, moderated by Carlos Moreira, brought together cybersecurity leaders from Microsoft, Cloudflare, and the UN Digital Inclusion Task Force. Discussions revolved around:

• The convergence of AI and quantum computing and its implications for cybersecurity.
• Post-quantum cryptography (PQC) and its role in protecting digital infrastructures.
• The ethical implications of AI-powered quantum cyberattacks.

Key Insights

• Quantum-AI threats are imminent: Experts warned that quantum computing could break existing encryption protocols within a decade, necessitating an urgent transition to PQC.
• Financial institutions are vulnerable: Without quantum-resistant security, banking and economic systems face potential catastrophic breaches.
• Humanitarian concerns: Cybersecurity failures in healthcare, refugee aid, and disaster response could disproportionately impact vulnerable populations.

Outcomes & Future Commitments

• SEALSQ unveiled the QS7001 secure microcontroller, designed to withstand quantum decryption attacks.
• A UN partnership was announced to test post-quantum encryption in humanitarian and financial sectors.
• Governments were urged to accelerate adoption of quantum-resistant cryptography to ensure digital sovereignty.

Chapter 4: The Risks of AI - Insights from the World Economic Forum

1. AI and Misinformation: A Crisis of Truth

Generative AI has exacerbated misinformation risks:

• Deepfake political manipulation threatens democratic elections.
• AI-generated content erodes trust in media.
• Social engineering scams leverage AI to impersonate high-profile figures.

Proposed Solutions:

• Regulating AI-generated content through mandatory watermarking.
• Developing AI-powered fact-checking tools to detect misinformation.

2. AI-Driven Cybersecurity Threats

• AI-enhanced malware and self-learning cyberattacks are increasing in sophistication.
• Quantum computing threatens traditional encryption and AI-based cybersecurity.

Proposed Solutions:

• Adoption of post-quantum cryptographic standards.
• Development of ethical AI-based cyber defense systems.

3. AI and Economic Disruption

• AI threatens white-collar jobs in law, finance, and medicine.
• Economic inequality is widening due to automation-driven layoffs.

Proposed Solutions:

• Government-backed AI reskilling programs.
• Universal Basic Income (UBI) and AI taxation to support displaced workers.

4. AI and Ethical Challenges: Who Controls AI?

• Autonomous weapons raise moral concerns.
• Bias in AI decision-making reinforces discrimination.
• Lack of AI accountability poses governance challenges.

Proposed Solutions:

• Establishing a global AI regulatory body (similar to the IAEA for nuclear weapons).
• Enforcing ethical AI development standards.

Conclusion: The Path Forward

Key Takeaways:

• Quantum resilience is a human right: Protecting digital infrastructure from quantum cyber threats is essential for global security.
• AI governance is critical: Without ethical oversight, AI could become a tool of oppression rather than liberation.
• Collaboration is the way forward: Governments, corporations, and civil society must work together to shape an intelligent, inclusive, and secure digital future.

SEALSQ’s Commitment Beyond Davos

Moving forward, SEALSQ will:

• Expand partnerships with global institutions to implement quantum-safe security solutions.
• Advance research into post-quantum cryptography to protect digital identities worldwide.
• Continue advocating for AI and cybersecurity policies that prioritize humanity over profit.

At Davos 2025, SEALSQ didn’t just pioneer technology—it redefined the role of cybersecurity in an intelligent and inclusive age. The journey towards a quantum-secure future for all has only just begun.

SEALSQ at Davos 2025 – Pioneering a Quantum-Secure Future for Humanity

Introduction

The World Economic Forum's Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland, held from January 20–24, 2025, centered on the theme "Collaboration for the Intelligent Age." The forum addressed critical global issues, with key takeaways including:

1. Economic Outlook and Geopolitical Dynamics

• Global Public Debt: Discussions highlighted concerns over the escalating global public debt, which has reached $100 trillion. This significant debt burden poses challenges to economic stability and growth.

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• U.S. Economic Optimism vs. European Pessimism: Participants noted a stark contrast between the optimistic economic outlook in the United States and a more pessimistic sentiment in Europe. The U.S. benefits from strong profits and regulatory adjustments, while Europe faces challenges related to productivity, innovation, and competitiveness.

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• Geopolitical Recession: WEF President Børge Brende described the current global political landscape as a "geopolitical recession," marked by increased polarization and reduced international cooperation. This environment complicates global governance and economic collaboration.

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2. Technological Advancements and Artificial Intelligence (AI)

• AI's Rapid Evolution: The forum emphasized the swift progression of AI technologies. Experts predict that within five years, current AI paradigms will be obsolete, necessitating continuous adaptation and upskilling in the workforce.

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• Ethical and Regulatory Considerations: UN Secretary-General António Guterres underscored the need for robust governance frameworks to manage AI's dual potential for societal benefit and harm. The call for regulation aims to harness AI responsibly.

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3. Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability

• Immediate Climate Action: The forum recognized the tangible and detrimental effects of climate change, noting that 2024 was the hottest year in 100,000 years. Initiatives announced at Davos aim to build resilience and address environmental degradation.

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• Land Degradation Concerns: Approximately 40% of the planet's land has been degraded, directly affecting about 3.2 billion people. This statistic underscores the urgency for sustainable land management practices.

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4. Social Inclusion and Gender Parity

• Political Empowerment of Women: Efforts to close the gender gap in political representation were highlighted. Notably, the Democratic Republic of the Congo increased women's participation in government from 16% to 33% in 2024, reflecting progress toward gender parity.

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• Investing in Human Capital: Discussions emphasized the importance of public and private sector investments in human capital development, focusing on education, healthcare, and job creation to foster a resilient and inclusive society.

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5. Global Trade and Tariff Policies

• Trade Tensions: The forum addressed concerns over rising protectionism, with discussions on new tariffs and their potential impact on global trade dynamics. Leaders emphasized the need for collaborative solutions to navigate these challenges.

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Overall, Davos 2025 served as a platform for leaders to deliberate on pressing global issues, emphasizing the necessity for collaborative approaches to navigate the complexities of the modern world.

Key Discussions from Davos 2025

The Stage: Davos 2025 and a Human-Centric Vision

Davos 2025 unfolded as a call to action, urging leaders to harness technology not just for profit, but for the betterment of humanity. The WEF spotlighted equitable access to digital infrastructure, the protection of vulnerable populations, and the ethical deployment of emerging tools like quantum computing. SEALSQ entered this dialogue with a clear purpose: to secure the digital backbone of society against the quantum threat, ensuring that advancements in AI, IoT, and space technology benefit all, not just the privileged few. Its events—the Quantum Security Roundtable on January 22 at the Morosani Schweizerhof Hotel and a keynote at the EmTech Invest on the same day at the Grandhotel Belvédère—framed quantum resilience as a humanitarian imperative.

Pope Francis' Message to the 2025 World Economic Forum

Pope Francis offered this reminder in his message to the Chairman of the 2025 World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.

The Holy Father began by observing that the theme of this year’s Forum, "Collaboration for the Intelligent Age," provides a good opportunity to reflect on artificial intelligence as a tool "not only for cooperation," but also "to bring peoples together."

The Gift of Intelligence

The Pope reminded attendees that Christian tradition regards the gift of intelligence as an essential aspect of the human person created “in the image of God.” At the same time, he highlighted that the Catholic Church has always been a supporter of the advancement of science, technology, and the arts, considering them to be areas of "collaboration of man and woman with God in perfecting the visible creation."

Unforeseen Situations Create Risk

Since AI is intended to imitate human intelligence, Pope Francis suggested that this technology poses unique challenges, especially since it can make autonomous decisions that its programmers did not foresee. For this reason, AI raises "fundamental questions about ethical responsibility, human safety, and the broader implications of these developments for society."

Assisting the Human Person

"When used correctly," the Pope commended, "AI assists the human person in fulfilling his or her vocation, in freedom and responsibility." He emphasized that AI, like all other technological advancements, must be ordered toward the human person and contribute to achieving "greater justice, more extensive fraternity, and a more humane order of social relations."

The Pope warned against the risk of AI being used to advance a "technocratic paradigm," which assumes that all global problems can be solved through technology alone. "Within this paradigm," he explained, "human dignity and fraternity are frequently subordinated in the pursuit of efficiency, as though reality, goodness, and truth inherently emanate from technological and economic power." He underscored that "human dignity must never be violated for the sake of efficiency."

AI Cannot Worsen Inequalities or Conflicts

The Pope stressed that technological developments that "do not improve life for everyone, but instead create or worsen inequalities and conflicts, cannot be called true progress." He called for AI to be placed at the service of a healthier, more human, more social, and more integral development.

Diligence and Vigilance

"Progress marked by the dawn of AI," he insisted, "calls for a rediscovery of the importance of community and a renewed commitment to care for the common home entrusted to us by God."

"To navigate the complexities of AI," he urged, "governments and businesses must exercise due diligence and vigilance." He called upon them to "critically evaluate the individual applications of AI in particular contexts to determine whether its use promotes human dignity, the vocation of the human person, and the common good."

"As with many technologies," the Pope cautioned, "the effects of AI may not always be predictable from their inception." Therefore, he stressed the importance of "appropriate responses at all levels of society," including individuals, families, civil society, corporations, institutions, governments, and international organizations to ensure that AI is directed to the good of all.

The Quantum Security Roundtable: Safeguarding Humanity’s Digital Future

The Quantum Security Roundtable, titled “Cybersecurity in a Post-Quantum AI Era: What Happens When You Mix Generative AI with Quantum Computing?” was a cornerstone of SEALSQ’s Davos presence. Co-hosted with WISeKey and the Cybersecurity Tech Accord, it drew industry leaders, policymakers, and human rights advocates, including representatives from Microsoft, Cloudflare, and the United Nations’ Digital Inclusion Task Force. Moderated by WISeKey founder Carlos Moreira, the panel featured voices like Cristina Dolan (MIT alum and cybersecurity expert) and Mark Minevich (President of Going Global Ventures).

Key Discussions and Insights

The roundtable opened with an overview of the accelerating convergence of quantum computing and generative AI. Panelists examined how quantum advancements could both enhance cybersecurity solutions and simultaneously create unprecedented vulnerabilities. Cristina Dolan provided an analysis of how quantum algorithms could break existing cryptographic protocols, necessitating an urgent shift toward post-quantum cryptographic standards. Mark Minevich expanded on the potential implications for global AI governance, stressing the importance of establishing ethical frameworks to guide the integration of AI with quantum security.

A central point of discussion revolved around the ethical risks posed by quantum-powered AI. Experts highlighted scenarios where generative AI, when combined with quantum computing, could be used to automate advanced cyberattacks, manipulate digital identities, and create untraceable misinformation campaigns. Representatives from Microsoft and Cloudflare detailed their ongoing efforts to implement quantum-safe encryption methods, emphasizing the need for collaboration across industries and governments to standardize quantum-resistant cryptographic measures.

Another critical concern addressed during the session was the impact of quantum security on financial systems and digital trust. Panelists noted that financial institutions worldwide rely on encryption mechanisms that quantum computers could eventually render obsolete. SEALSQ showcased its QS7001 platform, a RISC-V-based secure microcontroller optimized for post-quantum cryptographic algorithms endorsed by NIST. A live demonstration illustrated how the QS7001 could protect sensitive transactions, identity verification, and Internet of Things (IoT) security in an era where traditional cryptography is no longer sufficient.

The humanitarian aspect of quantum security was also a focal point. Participants from the UN Digital Inclusion Task Force emphasized the potential dangers of unprotected digital infrastructures in refugee camps, medical supply chains, and emergency response systems. Quantum-safe solutions, they argued, must be integrated into these critical infrastructures to protect vulnerable populations from cyber threats that could compromise their safety and security.

Outcomes and Future Commitments

The roundtable concluded with a consensus that a proactive approach is necessary to address the quantum threat. Key takeaways included:

• The need for immediate action: Governments and enterprises must accelerate the transition to quantum-resistant cryptography before quantum computing reaches mainstream adoption.
• Public-private partnerships: Collaboration between technology firms, policymakers, and international organizations is crucial to developing standardized quantum security frameworks.
• Investment in research and development: Continued funding for quantum-resilient cybersecurity solutions is essential to safeguarding the digital future.
• Global regulatory alignment: The creation of universal guidelines for post-quantum security will ensure a harmonized and effective response to emerging threats.

The session received praise from attendees and media alike for its forward-thinking approach, with industry leaders committing to further dialogue and action. The UN Task Force and SEALSQ announced a partnership to explore pilot programs incorporating QS7001 technology in high-risk digital infrastructures, setting the stage for future breakthroughs in quantum security applications.

Conclusion

SEALSQ’s events at Davos 2025 were a triumph of vision and purpose, cementing its leadership in the post-quantum era while championing humanity’s cause. The QS7001 demo and SEALCOIN satellite transaction showcased technical brilliance, but their humanitarian focus—securing digital lives, connecting the disconnected—stole the spotlight. Partnerships with the UN, NGOs, and aerospace players laid a foundation for impact, though execution remains key. At Davos, SEALSQ didn’t just pioneer technology; it redefined its role in an intelligent, inclusive age, echoing the forum’s highest ideals.

The Risks of AI – Insights from the World Economic Forum

Introduction: The Double-Edged Sword of AI

Artificial intelligence (AI) stands as one of the most transformative technologies of the 21st century, driving innovation in healthcare, finance, cybersecurity, and industry automation. However, as discussed at the World Economic Forum (WEF) 2025 in Davos, AI also presents profound risks that must be urgently addressed. These risks span ethical dilemmas, misinformation, economic disruption, cybersecurity threats, and governance challenges.

One of the most alarming risks of AI, as highlighted at WEF 2025, is the rise of AI-generated misinformation. The rapid advancement of generative AI models, such as OpenAI’s GPT and DeepMind’s Gemini, has enabled the creation of hyper-realistic deepfakes, synthetic text, and cloned voices that are nearly impossible to distinguish from authentic content.

Key Risks:

• Political Manipulation & Election Interference: AI-generated fake news and deepfake videos have been weaponized to influence elections, create political instability, and manipulate public opinion. With over 50 major elections scheduled worldwide in 2025, experts at Davos warned that AI-driven disinformation campaigns pose an existential threat to democracy.
• Erosion of Trust in Media: The ability to mass-produce AI-generated fake content has contributed to a 'crisis of truth,' where distinguishing fact from fiction becomes increasingly difficult. The Pope, in his message to WEF 2025, emphasized how AI is deepening the erosion of trust in traditional media and institutions.
• AI-Powered Social Engineering: Malicious actors are now using AI chatbots and deepfake calls to impersonate high-profile figures, leading to an increase in sophisticated scams, phishing attacks, and fraud.

Proposed Solutions:

• Regulating AI-Generated Content: Global leaders, including the EU Commission, proposed mandatory watermarking for AI-generated content and legal frameworks to hold creators of AI-generated misinformation accountable.
• AI Fact-Checking & Detection Systems: Companies such as Google and Microsoft are developing AI-powered fact-checking tools to detect AI-generated deepfakes and disinformation in real time.

2. AI and Cybersecurity Threats: A Digital Arms Race

As AI continues to advance, so do its applications in cyber warfare and digital crime. At WEF 2025, cybersecurity experts revealed that AI is being used by both hackers and defense systems in an evolving ‘cyber arms race’.

Key Risks:

• AI-Driven Cyber Attacks: Hackers now leverage AI for automated vulnerability detection, self-learning malware, and AI-generated phishing emails, making cyber attacks more efficient and difficult to detect.
• Data Poisoning & AI Model Manipulation: AI models, especially those trained on large datasets, are vulnerable to data poisoning attacks, where adversaries insert manipulated data to mislead AI decision-making.
• Quantum Threats to AI Encryption: With quantum computing advancing rapidly, traditional encryption methods are at risk. AI security systems that rely on classical encryption may fail against quantum-based decryption, posing a major threat to global cybersecurity.

Proposed Solutions:

• Post-Quantum Cryptography: The development of quantum-resistant AI security models, such as WISeKey’s post-quantum cryptographic chips, is essential for protecting AI-driven cybersecurity systems.
• Ethical AI Cyber Defense Systems: Governments and private institutions are investing in AI-powered cyber defense frameworks that can detect real-time cyber threats and prevent AI-driven attacks before they occur.

3. AI and Economic Disruption: The Future of Jobs

WEF 2025 highlighted AI’s impact on global employment, sparking debate over job displacement and economic inequality. While AI promises to improve efficiency, it also threatens millions of traditional jobs across multiple industries.

Key Risks:

• Job Displacement in Key Sectors: AI-driven automation is replacing jobs in finance, healthcare, customer service, and logistics. Studies presented at WEF 2025 indicate that over 300 million jobs could be affected by AI automation by 2030.
• The Rise of ‘White-Collar AI’ & Knowledge Worker Displacement: Unlike previous industrial revolutions that primarily affected blue-collar jobs, AI now threatens white-collar professionals, including lawyers, software engineers, radiologists, and financial analysts.
• Economic Inequality & Workforce Polarization: AI-driven economic growth benefits corporations and tech giants, but widening income inequality and AI-driven layoffs could exacerbate social unrest.

Proposed Solutions:

• AI-Reskilling & Workforce Adaptation: Global tech leaders at WEF 2025 advocated for government-led reskilling programs to prepare workers for AI-assisted job roles.
• Universal Basic Income (UBI) & AI Taxation: Some experts suggested that large AI companies should pay a universal AI tax to fund social safety nets, ensuring displaced workers receive economic support.

4. AI and Ethical Challenges: Who Controls AI?

A major concern at WEF 2025 was the ethical governance of AI. As AI systems become more autonomous, who should be held accountable for AI-driven decisions?

Key Risks:

• Autonomous Weapons & AI in Warfare: The rise of AI-powered military drones, autonomous weapons, and AI-driven battlefield strategies raises serious ethical and humanitarian concerns.
• Lack of AI Accountability: When AI makes harmful decisions—such as biased hiring, wrongful arrests, or unethical medical decisions—who should be responsible: the developer, the user, or the AI itself?
• Bias & Discrimination in AI Systems: AI systems trained on biased datasets continue to demonstrate racial, gender, and socio-economic biases, leading to systemic discrimination in hiring, healthcare, and criminal justice.

Proposed Solutions:

• Global AI Governance Frameworks: Calls for an international AI regulatory body, similar to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) for nuclear weapons, were proposed at WEF 2025.
• Ethical AI Development Standards: Tech leaders are advocating for transparency in AI training data, ensuring AI models undergo bias audits and ethical testing before deployment.

Conclusion: The Need for AI Regulation and Ethical Innovation

The 2025 World Economic Forum shed light on both the tremendous opportunities and significant risks posed by AI. While AI can drive innovation in healthcare, education, and economic development, unchecked AI risks threaten democratic institutions, job markets, cybersecurity, and ethical governance.

To navigate this new era of AI, governments, corporations, and civil society must collaborate to establish global AI regulations, enhance cybersecurity defenses, develop ethical AI governance models, and invest in AI-driven workforce adaptation.

The future of AI is not preordained—it is a choice we must collectively make.