Reimagining Collaboration in XR Lessons from the Global Collaboration Village 2025

The Global Collaboration Village continues to be a powerful demonstration of how immersive technology can bring leaders together to drive change and take impactful action to address real-world problems.” Paul Daugherty, Chief Technology and Innovation Officer, Accenture This is a village without borders … open to everyone who can access the internet … designed through an open development process.” Brad Smith, Vice-Chair and President, Microsoft Copyright: © Global Collaboration Village: World Economic Forum, Accenture and Microsoft. All rights reservedOrigin story and strategic rationale In late 2021, as the world emerged from the COVID-19 pandemic, the premise of the Global Collaboration Village was sparked by a fundamental question: What could collaboration look like, beyond in-person gatherings? Existing 2D online formats had begun to lose their effectiveness – plagued by multitasking, fragmented attention and limited engagement. The 3D metaverse was raising interest in immersive, interoperable virtual spaces. The Global Collaboration Village emerged as a multi-year exploration of a more immersive, participatory format for meaningful dialogue. A World Economic Forum initiative, in partnership with Accenture and powered by Microsoft Mesh, it targeted a shift from episodic events to immersive environments – spaces intended to foster ongoing engagement and deeper connections. Over the course of three years, the Village explored new possibilities for dialogue and cooperation using emerging technologies. It served as both a testbed and a signal: immersive platforms could extend the reach, inclusivity and impact of global convening. Reimagining Collaboration in XR: Lessons from the Global Collaboration Village 4