- The World Economic Forum (WEF) returns. In the usual format. A full-fledged five-day meeting of the world's elite - prominent politicians, economists and public figures - kicks off in Davos, Switzerland, on Monday, DPA reports.
It should be reminded that the coronavirus pandemic that struck the world, introduced considerable changes in the schedule of such annual meetings. For example, in 2021, the face-to-face meeting of high-ranking guests at the Alpine resort did not take place at all. Last year they could communicate in May only in a truncated version. And now, it is possible that at the request of the participants, the 53rd meeting will take place in the form and at the time that the international community has grown accustomed to.
During a video conference with journalists, Klaus Schwab, founder and chairman of the WEF, emphasised the importance of face-to-face communication between the participants in the forum, which will now be held under the theme "Working together in a fractured world". In the current turbulent times, said Schwab, which pose many challenges - wars, pandemics, inflation, climate protection - nearly 2,700 delegates from 130 countries will have plenty to talk about.
By the way, 52 heads of state and government are expected to attend. This has never been done before in the history of the WEF. However, US President Joe Biden is unlikely to come to Davos. French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak will also be absent. On the other hand, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz will be accompanied by his economics and finance ministers.
