Written by Jivika Vikamshi, Hafiz Muhammad Junaid and Andrea Jean-Louis
Attending the Warwick Economics Summit (WES) 2025 was nothing short of extraordinary. As Essex Business School delegates, we had the privilege of stepping into a space where some of the world’s most brilliant minds—Nobel laureates, policymakers, economists, and industry pioneers—came together to debate, challenge, and inspire.
This was not just another conference, it was a transformative experience that expanded our perspectives on economics, technology, sustainability, human rights, and leadership. The conversations we engaged in weren’t just about understanding today’s world, they were about reshaping tomorrow’s. Every speaker, every discussion, and every insight added layers to our understanding of the interconnected forces driving the global economy.
The summit kicked off on January 24th with a captivating session led by Paul Donovan, Chief Economist at UBS. His discussion explored the complex relationship between social media and prejudice in contemporary society. He highlighted how social media has the power to connect people across the world, providing access to diverse perspectives and amplifying unheard voices. However, he also warned of its darker side—the way it can reinforce biases, fuel misinformation, and create digital echo chambers.
Donovan emphasized that the role of social media in shaping economic and political narratives cannot be ignored. While platforms allow for global discourse and collaboration, they also pose risks to social cohesion, trust, and democratic values. His session called upon businesses, policymakers, and individuals to actively combat these challenges by fostering critical thinking, diversity, and inclusion in online spaces. It was a powerful reminder that economics isn’t just about numbers—it’s about the social structures that shape decision-making.
As the summit progressed, one of the most electrifying moments was the Meet the Speaker session with Nicolas Cary, Co-founder and Vice Chairman of Blockchain.com. His talk on cryptocurrencies, Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs), and the impending cashless future was both thought-provoking and deeply relevant as the world moves toward digital financial systems.
But beyond the technical innovations, what made Cary’s session unforgettable was his raw, unfiltered take on entrepreneurship. He didn’t just talk about success—he talked about struggle, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of building something meaningful. He spoke about facing setbacks, learning from failures, and continuously evolving. And then came the moment that truly struck a chord:
"I’d love to see you leading a successful business venture one day."
It wasn’t just a passing remark—it was a challenge. A declaration that the future belongs to those who dare to create it.
This spirit of innovation was further explored in the highly anticipated panel on artificial intelligence (AI), where Dr. Murray Ellender, CEO of eConsult, dissected the trust deficit in AI-driven systems. AI is rapidly transforming industries—from healthcare to finance, policymaking to marketing—but its biggest challenge remains public trust and ethical accountability.
Ellender raised a critical question: if AI provides incorrect medical advice, who takes responsibility? This issue of liability and ethics in AI-driven decision-making is one of the most pressing dilemmas facing industries today. His insights reinforced the idea that AI isn’t just about innovation—it’s about governance, accountability, and ensuring human oversight in an increasingly automated world.
On the topic of rethinking economic models, Kate Raworth’s groundbreaking presentation on the Doughnut Economy was a standout moment. She challenged the obsession with infinite GDP growth and instead proposed an economic model that balances human prosperity with environmental sustainability.
Raworth’s framework presents two crucial boundaries:
- An inner ring representing the minimum social foundation necessary for a dignified life—access to healthcare, education, equality, and security.
- An outer ring representing ecological limits, ensuring that economic growth does not come at the expense of planetary well-being.
She highlighted Amsterdam’s real-world adoption of the Doughnut Economy to guide urban planning, resource allocation, and social development. Her message was clear: economic progress must be sustainable and inclusive.
The global stage was further explored in a compelling discussion by Paolo Gentiloni, EU Commissioner for Economy and former Prime Minister of Italy. He outlined the three major geopolitical and economic shifts shaping the world today:
- The EU’s response to the Ukraine war, including sanctions, military aid, and energy diversification strategies.
- The potential economic consequences of a second Trump presidency, particularly regarding trade tensions and new tariffs.
- The EU’s delicate balancing act between China and the U.S., emphasizing the need for strategic policymaking to navigate these global power shifts.
His session was a powerful reminder that economic policies don’t exist in a vacuum—they are directly tied to global stability, security, and diplomacy.
Among the most powerful and emotionally impactful discussions was the talk by Ugochi Daniels, Deputy Director General for Operations at the International Organization for Migration (IOM). She dismantled the negative narratives around migration, shifting the focus to its economic and social benefits.
She emphasized that migration isn’t just about people leaving their homes—it’s about the exchange of skills, the enrichment of cultures, and the strengthening of economies. Under her leadership, IOM has expanded its operations to provide humanitarian aid, policy solutions, and long-term strategies for migrant inclusion.
Daniels’ talk was deeply human, reminding us that behind every statistic is a real person, a real story, and a real opportunity for change. Her work is about more than just providing aid—it’s about creating environments where migrants can thrive, contribute meaningfully, and be respected as part of the global economy.
The final evening of the summit reached a powerful crescendo with Tawakkol Karman, Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, whose speech was a celebration of resilience and victory for democracy and human rights.
She highlighted three major global movements:
- The decline of the Syrian Regime, acknowledging the resilience of the Syrian people in their fight for justice.
- Sudan’s ongoing resistance against military rule, commending the bravery of Sudanese citizens in their demand for freedom.
- The end of the war in Gaza, calling for international solidarity and peace-building efforts.
She also made a passionate plea against economic sanctions on Syria, arguing that such restrictions primarily harm innocent civilians rather than those in power. Her speech was not just about politics—it was about the moral responsibility of economic decisions and their long-term impact on global peace.
As Essex Business School delegates, we didn’t just leave Warwick with knowledge—we left with conviction. Conviction that the rooms we step into will define the impact we make. That the voices we listen to will shape the change we drive. And that the challenges we choose to tackle will determine the legacy we leave behind.
A huge thank you to the WES organizers, our university ambassadors, and the incredible speakers who made this summit an experience that will stay with us long after we’ve left the conference halls.
To the future leaders reading this: step into the rooms that challenge you. Engage in the conversations that make you question everything. Because the future doesn’t belong to those who wait for it—it belongs to those who create it.
Until next time, WES.
