Center for Global Civic and Political Strategies Participates in Semafor World Economy Summit in Washington, DC
Washington, DC | October 15–16, 2025
As the International Monetary Fund and World Bank annual meetings attracted global financial leaders to Washington, DC, the Semafor World Economy Summit convened a high-level gathering of top executives, policymakers, investors, and technology innovators. The event served as a critical platform for discussions on the future of the global economy amid rising geopolitical tensions, inflationary pressures, and rapid technological change.
The Center for Global Civic and Political Strategies (CGCPS) proudly took part in this important dialogue, using the opportunity to strengthen relationships with key stakeholders across the United States and Europe. Throughout the two-day summit, our delegation engaged in substantive conversations that emphasized the importance of transparency, civic governance, and ethical investment in the South Caucasus and Central Asia.
Among the verified speakers at the summit were Stephen Miran, Governor at the U.S. Federal Reserve; John Furner, CEO of Walmart US; John Waldron, President and COO of Goldman Sachs; Barbara Humpton, CEO of USA Rare Earth; Leslie Maasdorp, CEO of British International Investment; Dr. Kamau Thugge, Governor of the Central Bank of Kenya; Jon Clifton, CEO of Gallup; and Representative Darin LaHood, Chairman of the Ways & Means Subcommittee on Work and Welfare. These leaders shared insights on topics ranging from workforce transformation and economic resilience to the evolving global landscape shaped by technology and policy.
Technology and innovation formed a core theme throughout the summit. Discussions highlighted how frontier technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and advanced digital infrastructure are redefining economic growth, trade, and governance. CGCPS’s participation underscored our firm support for these innovations, particularly their potential to unlock new opportunities in our region. At the same time, we stressed the urgent need for strong legal, ethical, and civic oversight to accompany technological progress.
In an informal discussion, we emphasized the perspective of the South Caucasus and Central Asia, and these new technologies present both enormous potential and significant risks. We highlighted challenges such as sanctions evasion, illicit asset flows, opaque investment networks, and the need for robust digital governance frameworks. Our role as the “eyes of the West” in the region entails promoting transparency, civic responsibility, and the rule of law while connecting regional opportunities to Western investment and innovation.
Beyond the formal sessions, CGCPS representatives engaged in extensive networking and dialogue with leaders from business, civil society, and finance. These exchanges laid the groundwork for follow-up initiatives focused on asset monitoring, anti-money laundering efforts, infrastructure development—including connectivity and mining—and the responsible adoption of emerging technologies. Our presence at the summit reaffirmed our commitment to being a trusted bridge between global governance standards and on-the-ground realities in our region.
In an era of economic uncertainty and strategic competition, the Semafor World Economy Summit provided a vital forum for aligning global actors around themes of resilience, innovation, and cooperation. For CGCPS, it was an invaluable opportunity to advance our mission of promoting sustainable, transparent, and ethical development.
