The recently concluded 46th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, attracted nearly 3,000 leaders in business around the world. They came together to encourage public and private partnerships in solving some of the world’s most difficult problems such as ending poverty, fostering workplace diversity and the role of entrepreneurship in creating jobs.
Here are a few quotes from the world leaders as they discussed what the future should look like — from the fallout of the Fourth Industrial Revolution in Mexico to feminism at work and the fault-lines running through the Eurozone.
Sheryl Sandberg – Chief Operating Officer: Facebook
“Gender inequality starts young. Very young.”
“Men are promoted based on potential, women on what they’ve proven. Same as race.”
“Men still run the world – and it’s not going that well.”
“We should be working towards equality, not just because it’s the right thing, but we should do it because it’s the smart thing to do.”
Justin Trudeau – Prime Minister of Canada
“I will raise my sons as feminists.”
“We shouldn’t be afraid of the word feminist. Men and women should use it to describe themselves any time they want.”
“Diversity is the engine of invention. It generates creativity that enriches the world.”
“The greatest threat to ISIS is a tremendously open and diverse society.”
John Kerry- The United States Secretary of State
“We are not the prisoners of a predetermined future.”
“Conflict is not between one civilisation and another. It is about civilisation itself and barbarism.”
Paul Kagame- President of the Republic of Rwanda
“The opportunity to raise the quality of life is the biggest business opportunity.”
Marc R Benioff – Chairman and CEO Sales force
“Speed is the new currency of business.”
Dan Schlman – CEO paypal Inc
“The biggest impediment to a company’s future success is its past success.”
