In this international episode, our host Rashan Senanayake speaks with Maria Basso, Head of AI Applications and Impact at the World Economic Forum’s Centre for AI Excellence, for a sharp, insightful look into how AI is transforming industries at a global perspective. Maria breaks down how organisations are moving beyond pilots into real, measurable AI deployment, offering rare inside perspectives on the Forum’s MINDS programme and the AI-First initiative, which are reshaping business models, operating systems and global collaboration.

Tune into understand the latest AI development as they explore the biggest opportunities and risks with AI’s rapid rise, the importance of inclusive adoption across economies, and how international cooperation will define the next decade of responsible innovation. Maria also shares which emerging AI capabilities excite her the most, including AI agents, outlook towards Agentic AI and what concerns global leaders are paying closest attention to as AI reshapes societies, especially in developing regions. A powerful, future-focused conversation you won’t want to miss.

Want to understand AI at a global scale? This episode is for you.

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This episode features details on:

1. Maria’s Journey Into Global AI Leadership

How her background and global experience led to her role at the World Economic Forum, and why AI has become the defining force reshaping industries and societies.

2. From Pilot Projects to Real-World AI Impact

Maria shares how organisations worldwide are scaling AI beyond experimentation into enterprise-wide value — including unique insights from leading global industries.

3. Inside the MINDS Programme (WEF)

A rare, behind-the-scenes look at the MINDS programme, including standout examples where AI is already delivering measurable social and economic impact.

4. Building “AI-First” Organisations

What the Forum’s AI-First initiative is teaching us about operating models, leadership capability, and the cultural shifts needed to truly integrate AI into business systems.

5. Opportunities & Risks of Global AI Acceleration

We unpack the most pressing risks, the biggest opportunities and how countries can ensure AI adoption is competitive, inclusive and responsible for everyone.

6. The Power of International Collaboration

Why collaboration - not competition - will determine which nations thrive in the AI era, and how the Forum is shaping that ecosystem on a global scale.

7. The Future: AI Agents, Emerging Economies & What’s Next

What Maria is most excited about, what concerns her the most, and how emerging capabilities (including AI agents) will shape the future of developing economies.

And of course… the mystery question at the end!

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About Organisation: World Economic Forum (WEF) - Click Here to Learn More

The World Economic Forum is the International Organisation for Public-Private Cooperation. It provides a global, impartial and not-for-profit platform for meaningful connection between stakeholders to establish trust, and build initiatives for cooperation and progress.

About Speaker: Maria Basso (Head of AI Applications and Impact Centre for AI Excellence – Click Here to Connect on LinkedIn | Email

Maria Basso is the Head of AI Applications and Impact at the World Economic Forum’s Centre for AI Excellence, where she leads global initiatives that harness AI to transform industries and society. With a background spanning the United Nations, McKinsey & Company, and the University of California, Berkeley, she brings deep expertise in sustainable development, innovation, and digital transformation. Maria holds a Masters in Mechanical Engineering and Innovation in Energy Systems from the Politecnico of Turin and the University of Illinois.

Maria can speak to: AI transformation of industries; AI and society; AI and energy; Industry transformation; digital impact; global leadership in AI application; cross sector technology initiatives; innovation, and AI success stories (i.e. MINDS programme)

Communication contact : karyn.gorman@weforum.org

Resources & Related Links

• The Future of Jobs Report
• Global Risks Report
• Top 10 Emerging Technologies
• WEF MIND – A Global Communicty of AI Leaders
• WEF AI Governance Alliance