The annual World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, has kicked off under the theme “Rebuilding Trust,” running from January 14 to 19. As the global elite convene, discussions are expected to encompass geopolitical tensions, global trade concerns, inflation, economic growth, the war in Ukraine, technological change, and global fragmentation.
Notable political figures set to attend include China’s second-in-command, Li Qiang, and French President Emmanuel Macron, who will deliver special addresses. Macron is the sole G7 leader present at the event, raising questions about politicians’ reluctance to attend amid ongoing domestic challenges. Notably absent are U.S. President Joe Biden and U.K. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.
However, a diverse group of leaders and finance ministers from Spain, Belgium, Colombia, Iraq, Lebanon, Ireland, Kenya, Nigeria, Thailand, Singapore, and beyond are expected to participate. Key representatives from the U.S. include Secretary of State Antony Blinken, national security advisor Jake Sullivan, and Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry.
Sullivan is likely to engage in discussions on Ukraine’s 10-point peace plan during the “National Security Advisers on Ukraine” meeting. Argentinian President Javier Milei is set to address the forum, drawing attention with his right-wing stance and controversial economic policies.
From the business world, the reinstalled CEO of OpenAI, Sam Altman, will discuss safety and trust in technology alongside U.K. Finance Minister Jeremy Hunt and Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla. Other notable figures from the global economy, including International Monetary Fund Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva, World Bank President Ajay S. Banga, and World Trade Organization Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, will also be in attendance.
International bodies and civil society will be well-represented, with figures such as the U.N.’s António Guterres, NATO’s Jens Stoltenberg, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus of the World Health Organization, and Tirana Hassan of Human Rights Watch participating in the discussions. The Davos 2024 agenda reflects a broad spectrum of global challenges and opportunities, providing a platform for influential leaders to address pressing issues.
Source: CNN
