The world’s richest and most powerful leaders in business and politics will convene in Davos, Switzerland, for the gathering of the World Economic Forum. The annual summit in the Swiss Alps, which will take place over four days, will commence on Tuesday 22, to Friday, 25 January.
What’s on the agenda?
The theme for this year is: ‘Globalization 4.0: Shaping a Global Architecture in the Age of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.’ According to the World Economic Forum’s website, it picks up on two major trends – global cooperation challenges, and changes as a result of the high-tech digital revolution.
Professor Klaus Schwab, Founder and Chief Executive of the World Economic Forum, explained: “This fourth wave of globalization needs to be human-centred, inclusive and sustainable. We are entering a period of profound global instability brought on by the technological disruption of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and the realignment of geo-economics and geopolitical forces.
“We need principals from all stakeholder groups in Davos to summon the imagination and commitment necessary to tackle it,” he added.
While the central mission of the World Economic Forum is to promote free trade, in recent years issues like the environment, poverty and worldwide hunger have become part of the agenda.
Along with globalization, this year’s summit will address the climate change crisis, populism, China’s economic slowdown, and Brexit, among other issues.
Attendees and Absentees
This year’s summit may be more notable for absentees rather than leaders that will be present.
President Donald Trump was the main attraction in 2018 but will not be attending this year after he cancelled his delegation’s trip to the Forum as disclosed by White House press secretary, Sarah Sanders.
French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Theresa May have also pulled out the forum due to domestic crises. While May is locked in Brexit negotiations, Macron is busy tending to the Gilets Jaunes protests as they enter their tenth week.Te
A member of the British royal family will also be present. Prince William, Duke of Cambridge is also expected to talk about his work on mental health, another key topic this year. The prime minister of New Zealand, Jacinda Ardern, will address a “range of topics” and Sir David Attenborough will discuss biodiversity. Also attending is Brazil’s new president, Jair Bolsonaro.
They will be joined by leading figures from global charities, including Winnie Byanyima, executive director of Oxfam International, Jennifer Morgan, executive director of Greenpeace International – and Kenneth Roth, executive director of Human Rights Watch.
Notable African political leaders attending include Rwandan President Paul Kagame; Abiy Ahmed, Prime Minister of Ethiopia; Libyan Prime Minister, Faiez Al Serrag; Cyril M. Ramaphosa, President of South Africa; Ugandan President, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and Emmerson Mnangagwa, President of Zimbabwe.
The summit, which will feature public panels and private sessions, will host more than 3,000 participants from 115 economies. Celebrities, academics, and members of the media are often invited to promote causes charted.
