BrazilWEF taps Accenture and Microsoft to build metaverse for leaders
As the dust settles on the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, the event’s policy makers are planning ahead for the event’s digital and virtual future in the metaverse. Tasked to help design and build WEF’s metaverse for CEOs and government leaders are Accenture and Microsoft.
Since 1971, the World Economic Forum has hosted its annual flagship event in Davos, with business and world leaders from all corners of the globe travelling to the mondaine Swiss mountain city to discuss business, politics and more.
The event is endorsed by some of the world’s largest businesses – and a number of the consulting industry’s heavyweights help shape its agenda each year. One of WEF’s strategic partners, Accenture, is currently helping the World Economic Forum build a bespoke metaverse aimed at fostering enhanced, global cooperation.
The concept of a metaverse is a network of 3D virtual worlds focused on social connection; something forecast by a growing number of technology leaders as the next iteration of the internet. This notion of a digital shared space resonates with the World Economic Forum, and the organisation hopes that the launch of its ‘Global Collaboration Village’ can help leaders from around the world share experiences in a world without the boundaries of physical presence.
“With the Global Collaboration Village, we are creating a purpose-oriented global village in the virtual space,” said Klaus Schwab, Founder and Executive Chairman of the World Economic Forum. “Supported by a unique range of partners from the public and private sectors, the Village will use the frontier capabilities of the metaverse to find solutions for addressing the big issues of our time in a more open, inclusive and collaborative way.”
Meanwhile, the metaverse could also help the WEF reduce its carbon footprint, with several guests of this year’s edition lambasted for hosting ‘climate talks’ while travelling short distances by private jet to attend the event.
The Global Collaboration Village
For the first edition of the Global Collaboration Village that was used during WEF Davos 2023, Accenture and Microsoft collaborated with partners from 80 organisations to help shape the village’s development. The eventual prototype included a set of initial immersive spaces which were accessible via VR headset or laptop devices, including a virtual town hall, collaborative centres for storytelling and thought leadership; and stakeholder campuses.
Over the next year, organisations will be invited to build their presence in the WEF’s metaverse, and in the background, Accenture and Microsoft will develop and launch new functionalities.
“The metaverse will profoundly change every part of every business, bridging our physical and digital worlds, and over time will enable companies to create innovative new consumer products and services, transform their manufacturing and operations, and reimagine the way we collaborate and work,” said Julie Sweet, Chair and Chief Executive Officer of Accenture.
In 2022, Accenture launched a consulting practice dedicated to metaverse technology and concepts.
