WEF’s Kelsey Goodman: El-Sisi’s Davos participation was “historic,” spotlighting Egypt’s role in global economic debate

Kelsey Goodman, the World Economic Forum’s head of Middle East and North Africa, said President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi’s participation in the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos marked a “historic” moment and underscored Egypt’s growing prominence in international discussions on the global economy and policymaking.

Speaking in a TV interview, Goodman described Egypt’s presence at Davos as strong and highly visible, adding that it reflected the country’s standing as a key regional and international player.

Artificial intelligence and narrowing development gaps

Goodman highlighted artificial intelligence as one of the most influential forces capable of narrowing gaps between countries and societies, arguing that smart deployment of modern technology can help deliver fairer opportunities for development and economic growth.

She said that, as AI tools become more accessible, countries that invest early in talent, infrastructure, and regulation can accelerate productivity and create new pathways for inclusive growth.

A speech alongside major global voices

Goodman noted that El-Sisi spoke at Davos on the same day as U.S. President Donald Trump, describing the Egyptian leader’s remarks as substantive and focused on the importance of regional and international cooperation as a route to bridging divisions and ending disputes at both regional and global levels.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi delivers a speech at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland.

In his address at the Annual Meeting, El-Sisi reiterated Egypt’s commitment to international cooperation, including on regional stability challenges, and outlined his government’s focus on economic reform and expanding private sector opportunities in emerging industries.

Egypt’s future economic direction and growth sectors

Goodman said El-Sisi used his Davos appearance to present Egypt’s vision for international cooperation and its role in supporting stability and development, while also discussing the country’s future economic direction and the importance of cross-border partnerships to tackle global challenges.

She pointed to sectors the president highlighted as promising for Egypt’s growth trajectory, saying the country’s competitive strength is rising in areas including policy development and new and renewable energy.

Goodman concluded that Egypt featured prominently in Davos discussions, calling it a major headline topic in economic and political conversations, a reflection, she said, of its regional weight and its role in shaping debates about the future of the Middle East and the wider global economy.