The World Economic Forum in Davos: A Global Gathering of Minds
Every January,the picturesque Alpine town of Davos,Switzerland,transforms into a hub of global dialog as leaders from politics,business,and academia converge for the World Economic Forum (WEF). This year, the 55th annual meeting, running from January 20 to 23, 2025, promises to be a pivotal event, bringing together nearly 3,000 participants from over 130 countries. The theme, “Collaboration for the Smart Age,” underscores the urgency of addressing pressing global challenges while fostering innovation and trust.
A Meeting of Minds, but Not All Leaders
while the WEF is renowned for its star-studded guest list, the absence of certain key figures often speaks volumes.This year, notable absentees include Indian Prime minister Narendra Modi, Chinese President Xi Jinping, French President Emmanuel Macron, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Among the Group of Seven (G7) nations, only outgoing German chancellor Olaf Scholz is attending in person.
Jan Aart Scholte, a professor of global transformations and governance challenges at Leiden University, noted, “The leaders of Brazil, of China, of india, who gave the keynote speeches 10 years ago, are not there now.Russia has not been welcomed for some years now, Keir Starmer is not going to be there. Macron’s not going to be there.” He added, “True, the prime minister of Spain is going to be there and there are a couple of others, but the general picture of the heads of state, of government that are there is that it’s not the big players.”
The Agenda: Tackling Global Challenges
The WEF’s agenda is ambitious,focusing on five key areas: reimagining growth,industries in the intelligent age,investing in people,safeguarding the planet,and rebuilding trust. These themes reflect the forum’s mission to foster collaboration in an era marked by uncertainty and rapid technological change.
According to the WEF, the gathering “demonstrates the critical need for dialogue in an increasingly uncertain era.” With 350 government leaders, including 60 heads of state and governments, the event aims to address pressing challenges and shape emerging opportunities.
Why Some Leaders Stay Away
While the WEF is a platform for global dialogue, not all leaders can afford to attend.Domestic issues, such as economic slowdowns or political crises, frequently enough take precedence.As an example, the absence of leaders like xi Jinping and Narendra Modi may reflect their focus on internal challenges rather then international forums.
As scholte pointed out, “There is often no official reason given for a lack of participation in WEF, but pressing domestic problems — ranging from slowing economic growth to political crises — are known to keep heads of government at home.”
The Significance of Davos
Founded in 1971 by German economist Klaus Schwab, the WEF has grown into a cornerstone of global collaboration. its annual meeting in davos serves as a platform for leaders to exchange ideas, forge partnerships, and address the world’s most pressing issues.Despite the absence of some key figures, the forum remains a vital space for dialogue and innovation.
As the world grapples with unprecedented challenges, the WEF’s role in fostering collaboration and trust has never been more critical.Whether through in-person attendance or virtual participation, the forum continues to shape the global agenda, one conversation at a time.
Davos 2024: A Global Gathering of Leaders Amid Shifting Dynamics
The World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos has long been a cornerstone of global dialogue, bringing together leaders from business, politics, and civil society. However,this year’s event has sparked mixed reactions,with some questioning its relevance in an era marked by growing skepticism toward globalization and elite institutions. Despite these concerns, the forum remains a pivotal platform for addressing pressing global challenges.
Who’s Attending This Year?
Since its inception in 1971 under the leadership of Klaus Schwab, the WEF has evolved into a premier gathering for world leaders. this year’s summit will see prominent figures such as Ding Xuexiang, China’s Vice Premier, ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Argentina’s Prime Minister Javier Milei, and South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa take the stage.ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, will also be in attendance, alongside heads of major international organizations like the IMF, UN, WHO, and WTO.
Ursula von der Leyen reacts after being chosen President of the European Commission for a second term, at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France, July 18, 2024. Johanna geron | Reuters
What’s on the Agenda?
Sven Smit, a senior partner at McKinsey & Company, a strategic partner of the WEF, emphasized the importance of understanding the perspectives of leaders at Davos. “You can’t fully predict it,” he said. ”there are themes out there that people suggest, they range from growth to sustainability, but what distills as a Davos theme is not fully predictable, and that’s the engaging part.”
Though, the forum has not been immune to criticism. In recent years, Western institutions have faced backlash from populist leaders and nations like Russia and China, who challenge the principles of globalization. This shift has forced the WEF to adapt,acknowledging the changing global landscape.
Adapting to a New World Order
As Scholte, a noted observer, pointed out, the WEF has had to confront the rise of anti-establishment sentiments. “I don’t think that the promoters of a liberal,open world economy speak with quite as much disdain,let’s say,of contrary forces and views as they might have done,say,before the global financial crisis,” he remarked.”I think there’s a bit more modesty that, no, it sometimes doesn’t fully work. And no, we haven’t always taken sufficient account of those who feel excluded from this.”
Despite these challenges, the WEF continues to attract influential figures from around the world. “There are various indicators that a site like the World Economic Forum isn’t as strong a magnet as it might have been a couple of decades ago,” Scholte noted. “But the idea that it’s no longer a magnet, and the idea that it also doesn’t have certain areas within world economic governance where it can still be very strong, I think that would be wrong.”
As the world grapples with complex issues like climate change, economic inequality, and geopolitical tensions, the WEF remains a vital space for dialogue and collaboration. Whether it can maintain its relevance in an increasingly polarized world remains to be seen, but for now, Davos continues to be a beacon for those seeking to shape the future.
Given the publication’s focus on assessing the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) relevance and its future role, how does Professor Scholte propose the WEF can adapt to regain its position as a driver of real, impactful change rather than just a platform for symbolic discourse?
Interview with Professor Jan Aart Scholte: Analyzing the Dynamics of Davos 2025
Archyde News Editor (ANE): Welcome, Professor Jan Aart Scholte. Thank you for joining us today to discuss the 55th annual World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos.The theme this year is “collaboration for the Smart Age.” What are your initial thoughts on this theme and its relevance in today’s global context?
Professor Jan Aart Scholte (JAS): Thank you for having me. The theme is both timely and ambitious. We are living in an era of unprecedented technological advancement, but also profound uncertainty. The “Smart Age” isn’t just about innovation; it’s about ensuring that advancements benefit all of humanity and don’t exacerbate existing inequalities. Collaboration is key,but it requires trust—a commodity that’s in short supply globally right now. The WEF has always been a platform for fostering dialogue, and this theme underscores the need for collective action in addressing these complex challenges.
ANE: This year, we’ve noticed the absence of several prominent global leaders, such as Chinese President Xi jinping, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and French President emmanuel Macron.What do you make of these absences,and what might they signify?
JAS: These absences are meaningful,and they speak volumes about the current geopolitical climate. leaders frequently enough prioritize domestic issues over international forums, especially when facing economic slowdowns, political unrest, or other pressing challenges. For instance, Xi Jinping and Narendra Modi are likely preoccupied with internal matters, such as economic recovery and domestic reforms. Additionally, there’s a growing skepticism toward elite institutions like the WEF, which some view as disconnected from the realities of everyday citizens. While the forum remains crucial, these absences highlight a shift in priorities and a possible reevaluation of the role such gatherings play in global governance.
ANE: You mentioned skepticism toward elite institutions. Could you elaborate on that? How has this sentiment impacted the WEF’s influence and relevance?
JAS: Certainly. Over the past decade, there’s been a rising tide of populism and anti-globalization sentiment across the world. Manny people feel that institutions like the WEF represent the interests of a privileged few rather than the broader population.This skepticism has been fueled by growing economic inequality, the perceived erosion of national sovereignty, and the failure of global elites to address pressing issues like climate change and social justice. Consequently, the WEF’s relevance has come under scrutiny. While it remains a valuable platform for dialogue, it must adapt to this changing landscape by becoming more inclusive and obvious.
ANE: This year’s agenda focuses on five key areas: reimagining growth, industries in the intelligent age, investing in people, safeguarding the planet, and rebuilding trust. Which of these do you believe is the most critical, and why?
JAS: All five areas are interconnected, but I would argue that rebuilding trust is the linchpin. Without trust, collaboration on the other issues becomes nearly impossible. Trust between nations, between governments and citizens, and between businesses and consumers has been eroding for years. Restoring it requires concrete actions—such as delivering on climate commitments,addressing inequality,and ensuring that technological advancements are accessible to all.If the WEF can make meaningful progress in this area, it will lay the groundwork for success in the other four.
ANE: The WEF has always been a platform for forging partnerships and shaping the global agenda. do you think it still has the capacity to drive real change, or has it become more symbolic?
JAS: The WEF certainly has the potential to drive change, but its impact depends on the willingness of its participants to translate dialogue into action. Historically, the forum has been instrumental in launching initiatives like the Global Health Initiative and the Paris Agreement on climate change. Though, in recent years, there’s been a perception that the forum is more about networking and high-level discussions than concrete outcomes. to regain its position as a driver of real change, the WEF must focus on measurable goals, accountability, and inclusivity. It’s not enough to bring leaders together; they must leave Davos with a clear plan for action.
ANE: as we look to the future,what role do you see the WEF playing in addressing emerging challenges,such as artificial intelligence,cybersecurity,and global health crises?
JAS: The WEF has a critical role to play in addressing these challenges,but it must evolve to meet the demands of a rapidly changing world. Artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and global health are inherently transnational issues that require coordinated responses. The forum can serve as a space for developing global frameworks, sharing best practices, and fostering partnerships between governments, businesses, and civil society. however, it must also ensure that these discussions are grounded in the realities of everyday people. The challenges we face are too great to be solved by elites alone; they require the active participation of all stakeholders.
ANE: Thank you,Professor Scholte,for your insightful analysis. It’s clear that the WEF remains a vital platform, but one that must adapt to remain relevant in an increasingly complex world.
JAS: Thank you. It’s been a pleasure discussing these important issues with you. let’s hope that Davos 2025 marks a turning point in global collaboration.
