Little Rock, Arkansas – Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders is set to attend the prestigious World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, from January 22 to January 24, 2025. During the forum, the Governor will participate in key discussions and advocate for Arkansas’ interests on the global stage.
Tackling Youth Mental Health and Big Tech Accountability
A central focus of Governor Sanders’ visit will be addressing the rising youth mental health crisis. She will join Jonathan Haidt, author of The Anxious Generation, for a panel discussion on the impact of smartphones and social media on mental health. Speaking about the urgency of the issue, Governor Sanders stated, “Big Tech companies have driven massive increases in anxiety, depression, and suicide among our young people, and I look forward to joining Jonathan Haidt in Davos to talk about this critical issue and how my administration is stepping up to hold Big Tech accountable.”
The Governor’s commitment to youth mental health is evident in her recent actions. Inspired by Haidt’s research, she introduced a phone-free school pilot program in Arkansas last year, which funded the use of pouches to restrict smartphone access during school hours. In her 2025 State of the State address, she announced plans to expand these efforts by banning smartphones in all Arkansas schools during school hours and updating the Social Media Safety Act to withstand legal challenges. Additionally, the Governor aims to empower parents to take legal action against Big Tech companies to hold them accountable for harmful practices.
Showcasing Arkansas’ Economic Success
Governor Sanders will also participate in a panel with Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear to discuss the role of state leadership during a presidential transition and to highlight states’ priorities. Beyond her panel engagements, she will meet with international business leaders, promoting Arkansas as a prime destination for investment.
“International companies need to hear Arkansas’ success story,” Governor Sanders said. “I look forward to encouraging more investment in our state and continuing to grow our economy.”
This visit builds on her prior efforts to attract global investment. Previous trips to the United Kingdom, Germany, Korea, and Japan in 2024, and the Paris Air Show in 2023, have already secured significant investments from companies such as Dassault Falcon, Walther Arms, and RTX.
Governor Sanders’ dual focus on youth mental health and economic development in Davos underscores her commitment to fostering a brighter future for Arkansas while addressing pressing global challenges.
