Ebony Young at Davos 2025: Elevating Queens as the Global Innovation Prototype

In the crisp alpine air of Davos, Switzerland, at the 2025 World Economic Forum, I stood among the world’s most influential leaders, entrepreneurs, and changemakers. As the Queens Deputy Borough President, my mission was clear: to position Queens, New York, as the global prototype for testing and advancing the future of the information age.

The World Economic Forum is known for convening the brightest minds to tackle the world's most pressing issues. This year, the conversation centered on how technology, innovation, and economic development can shape a more equitable and sustainable future. In my discussions with billionaires, venture capitalists, and global policymakers, I emphasized the unparalleled potential of Queens as a testing ground for emerging technologies. If you want to see how the world will function in the future, bring your ideas to Queens—a borough where diversity fuels ingenuity and where businesses of all sizes can pilot groundbreaking initiatives before scaling worldwide.

One of the most memorable moments of my journey took place on the Magic Mountain of Schatzalp in Davos. There, I had the privilege of speaking about a transformative project: New York City’s first-ever Global Tech and Innovation Center (GTIC). This center will serve as a hub for seed and Series A entrepreneurs from around the world, providing them with access to the knowledge, tools, and resources necessary to scale their ventures. But more than that, the GTIC is designed to be a space where innovation thrives at the intersection of technology, mental health, and global connectivity.

Scaling a startup isn’t just about funding—it’s about resilience, networks, and the right strategic insights. At GTIC, we aim to redefine the startup ecosystem by incorporating a hyper-focus on mental health, ensuring that founders have the support they need to navigate the challenges of high-growth entrepreneurship. Moreover, our partnerships with institutions like McKinsey will ensure that we measure and assess the impact of our work, setting new standards for startup success metrics on a global scale.

Davos 2025 was more than a conference; it was an opportunity to reimagine what’s possible. Queens, long a gateway for dreamers and innovators, is now poised to become the epicenter of global tech advancement. As I departed from the Swiss Alps, I carried with me not just ideas but commitments—from investors, policymakers, and changemakers who now see Queens as the world’s proving ground for the future.

The journey has just begun. The world is coming to Queens, and the future is being built here.