“Is providing nutrition assistance to low-income kids ‘woke and weaponized’? Kaine asked Vought, who refused to answer, replying that he “wasn’t here to talk about the budget that center put out.”
Kaine pressed further, but Vought claimed he was only there on behalf of the president. The Virginia senator then pointed out that in the same document, Vought proposed deep cuts to Medicaid for low-income families, tenant-based rental assistance, and low-income housing energy assistance.
“This was all in your document about ending woke and weaponized government. OK, let’s see, we want to traumatize federal employees and then we want to take all of these programs that help everyday people who are struggling and cut them because they’re ‘woke and weaponized.’ Those are your words, not mine,” Kaine concluded. “From the fullness of the heart, the mouth speaks.”
At the recent World Economic Forum in Davos, President Donald Trump went on a bizarre rant about coal that left many scratching their heads. In a speech that was supposed to focus on the future of the global economy, Trump instead chose to ramble on about the virtues of coal and how it is the key to economic success.
It was a strange and out-of-touch moment that only served to highlight the fact that Trump is increasingly disconnected from reality. While the rest of the world is moving towards renewable energy and sustainable practices, Trump is stuck in the past, clinging to a dying industry that is harmful to both the environment and public health.
Trump’s obsession with coal is not only misguided, it’s dangerous. By promoting an industry that is becoming increasingly irrelevant, Trump is not only ignoring the urgent need to address climate change, but also putting the health and well-being of Americans at risk.
It’s clear that Trump is grasping at straws, desperately trying to hold onto a narrative that no longer holds water. His weird rant about coal at Davos is just further proof that he is losing it, and that his time in office is coming to an end. Let’s hope that the next president will be more in touch with reality and willing to embrace the changes needed to create a more sustainable and prosperous future.
The World Economic Forum annual meeting, a yearly gathering of global elites famously held in Davos, Switzerland, is more than halfway through, with President Donald Trump set to take the virtual stage this morning for a speech.
Better known simply as “Davos,” the summit is a place where policy and major deals and decisions are often shaped. The not-for-profit World Economic Forum (WEF) hosts this meeting of minds across the public and private sectors to encourage global collaboration and work towards solutions for the world’s major ills of the day.
Now in its 55th year, eyes are on Davos and its long list of heavy hitters as they convene under the 2025 theme “Collaboration for the Intelligent Age.” Here’s what to know.
What is the World Economic Forum?
The World Economic Forum annual meeting, colloquially known simply as “Davos,” is a yearly meeting of elites including leaders in government, business and civil society. Over the course of four days, decision-makers from across the globe discuss what they see as major issues of the day and plans to tackle them. The WEF focuses on promoting collaboration between the private and public sectors to “make the world a better place for all.”
According to the WEF website, business partnerships, political breakthroughs and policy can and often do come out of the summit, which was held for the first time in 1971. It is an exclusive-invite-only event at which many private conversations happen, contributing to the air of mystery surrounding the event amongst the general public.
When and where is the World Economic Forum held?
The WEF meeting is always held in Davos, Switzerland. Located in the Swiss mountains, Davos is the highest town in Europe in terms of elevation. The organization was founded as the “European Management Symposium” by Professor Klaus Schwab in 1971, primarily to discuss Schwab’s “stakeholder theory,” or his vision that businesses should serve all stakeholders, not just shareholders.
In 1973, the Annual Meeting endorsed the Davos Manifesto, a code of ethics for business leaders that lays out Schwab’s principles of stakeholder capitalism.
Davos is typically hosted in January. The meeting has taken place in Davos in January for most of its existence, save for 2001 when it was held in New York City after the 9/11 attacks and 2021 through 2022 during which it was held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
When is Davos this year?
Davos is taking place from Jan. 20-24 this year. The theme is “Collaboration for the Intelligent Age.”
Who attends Davos?
Davos is an invite-only event for world leaders and decision-makers, including politicians, academics and business people across public and private sectors. According to WEF, it also invites “activists, artists, labour leaders, Indigenous community members and prominent youth voices.”
The WEF lists a swath of big names planning to attend the 2025 session on its website. Some politicians include Donald Trump; Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission; Ding Xuexiang, Vice-Premier of the People’s Republic of China; Federal Chancellor of Germany; Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament.
António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations; Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organization; Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund will be in attendance from the international organization category, while over 1,600 business leaders and more than 170 leaders from civil society and the social sector will attend as well.
Some of these include David Miliband, President and CEO of the International Rescue Committee; Sania Nishtar, CEO, Gavi, The Vaccine Alliance and Luc Triangle, General Secretary of the International Trade Union Confederation.
What happens at Davos?
Today, Davos hosts more than 300 sessions, 200 of which are livestreamed to a global audience, all of which “aim to accelerate progress and tackle global challenges.”
It lists some of its overarching focuses throughout the years as climate change, inclusion, diversity and economics. WEF also releases the Global Risks Reportahead of the annual meeting to identify the major topics of the year.
The World Economic Forum in Davos is an annual gathering of world leaders, business executives, and policymakers to discuss global economic issues. Founded in 1971, the forum aims to bring together stakeholders from various sectors to collaborate on finding solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges.
This year, one of the most anticipated speakers at Davos is former President Donald Trump. Trump is set to speak today on a panel discussing the future of democracy in the United States and around the world. His appearance has sparked controversy and drawn both supporters and critics to the event.
Stay tuned for updates on Trump’s speech and other highlights from the World Economic Forum in Davos.
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World Economic Forum, Davos, Trump, speech, economy, global, summit, politics, business leaders, international relations, event, keynote address, economic outlook
Trump attacks Biden administration, touts executive orders at Davos
US President Donald Trump began his bravado-filled and self-praising speech to Davos leaders with attacks on former President Joe Biden’s administration.
He accused Biden of losing control with inflation and illegal immigration at the US-Mexico border and said he had “taken rapid action to reverse radical left policies.” He also touted his executive order taking the US out of the Paris Agreement on climate change.
Trump claimed that “economic confidence” is soaring in the US after his election. He said his message to the business community is to “make your product in America.”
Additionally, he promised the largest tax cut in US history and told international businesses moving to the US they would see the lowest taxes of nearly “anywhere on Earth.”
Trump speaks to Saudi Crown Prince MBS in first foreign call
US President Donald Trump spoke with Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) in the first call with a foreign leader during his presidency.
A readout of the call was provided by the Saudi Foreign Ministry. During the discussion, MBS congratulated Trump and discussed “ways for cooperation between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United States of America to promote peace, security and stability in the Middle East, in addition to enhancing bilateral cooperation to combat terrorism.”
MBS also said Saudi Arabia intends “to broaden its investments and trade with the United States over the next four years to the amount of $600 billion (€576.5 billion) and potentially beyond that.”
During his first term in office from 2017 to 2021, Trump emphasized a strong relationship with Saudi Arabia. There were numerous reports that Trump’s son-in-law and adviser Jared Kushner would communicate frequently with MBS via WhatsApp, prompting cybersecurity concerns.
Jamal Khashoggi’s fiancée wants justice
In 2018, Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi was murdered after he walked into the Saudi consulate in Istanbul. During that time, questions swirled that MBS had ordered the killing, with the Trump administration shrugging off the assassination and working to protect the US-Saudi relationship from criticism.
After Trump left office, a golf series funded by Saudi Arabia held a tournament in 2022 at one of Trump’s properties in New Jersey, known as LIV Golf Bedminster. LIV Golf will host another tournament at Trump’s Doral Resort this year in April during his second term.
Ukraine welcomes ‘strong messages’ from Trump on Russia
Earlier at Davos, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha reacted positively to Trump’s messages towards Russia regarding the invasion of Ukraine. Trump has threatened Russia with sanctions and tariffs if it doesn’t move towards a deal to end the war.
In a Wednesday post on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump had urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to “stop thie ridiculous war” or face consequences.
Europeans uncertain about Trump role on Ukraine
“We do really welcome such strong messages from President Trump and we believe that he will be the winner,” Sybiha said. “And we believe that we have an additional change to get new dynamic in diplomatic efforts to end this war.”
On the campaign trail last year, Trump claimed that he would end the war in Ukraine 24 hours after taking office.
US President Donald Trump to address World Economic Forum in Davos
US President Donald Trump will address a gathering of business and political leaders gathered at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, on Thursday.
It comes as Trump promises another term of his “America First” foreign policy.
He has also taken the US out of the Paris Climate Agreement and called on European nations to spend more on their defense.
Earlier in the day, World Trade Organization head Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala called on nations to “keep calm” on tariffs. She said she is concerned that a trade war could be “catastrophic.”
“Even if a tariff is levied, please keep calm, don’t wake up and without the necessary groundwork levy your own,” Okonjo-Iweala said at the Davos gathering.
wd/sms (Reuters, AP, AFP, dpa)
https://p.dw.com/p/4pWyg
Yesterday, former President Donald Trump made a virtual appearance at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. Despite no longer holding office, Trump was invited to speak at the prestigious event to share his insights on global economic trends and political developments.
During his speech, Trump touched on a variety of topics, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the global economy, the importance of free trade agreements, and the role of the United States in shaping international relations. He also emphasized the need for countries to prioritize their own economic interests while also working together to address common challenges.
Trump’s virtual appearance at the WEF in Davos sparked both support and criticism from attendees and viewers around the world. Some praised his business acumen and straightforward approach to economic issues, while others questioned his handling of the pandemic and his controversial political rhetoric.
Overall, Trump’s speech at the WEF in Davos served as a reminder of his enduring influence on the global stage, even after leaving the White House. As the world continues to navigate uncertain economic waters, his insights and perspectives will undoubtedly continue to shape the conversation around international trade and diplomacy.
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WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump addressed the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, virtually on Thursday, his first major appearance at an international event since he returned to the White House earlier this week.
“The United States has the largest amount of oil and gas of any country on Earth, and we’re going to use it,” said Trump.
“Not only will this reduce the cost of virtually all goods and services, it will make the United States a manufacturing superpower, and the world capital of artificial intelligence and crypto,” Trump said.
Following his remarks, Trump will engage in a question-and-answer session after his speech with Blackstone chairman Steve Schwarzman, Bank of America chairman and CEO Brian Moynihan, Banco Santander executive chair Ana Botin, and Patrick Pouyanné, the chairman and CEO of TotalEnergies. They will be joined by WEF founder Klaus Schwab and CEO Børge Brende.
He has also demanded that the United States assert control over the Panama Canal, and renewed his offer to “buy” Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark.
President Trump addressed the World Economic Forum in Davos today, discussing his administration’s recent implementation of tariffs and the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in global trade.
In his speech, Trump defended his decision to levy tariffs on imported goods, stating that they are necessary to protect American workers and industries. He emphasized the need for fair trade practices and urged other countries to follow suit.
On the topic of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), Trump highlighted the importance of fostering a more inclusive and equitable global economy. He called on world leaders to prioritize diversity in their hiring practices and ensure that all individuals have equal opportunities to succeed in the workforce.
As Trump’s speech drew attention from the international community, it remains to be seen how his policies on tariffs and DEI will impact the global economy in the coming months. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
Trump’s return to the White House has loomed over this year’s World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, as the world’s top politicians and industry leaders try to prepare for the impacts of a newly reinvigorated “America first” trade policy that could lead to economic fragmentation.
Since his inauguration on Monday, Trump has announced sweeping executive actions in trade, energy and AI, including possible tariffs on China and America’s withdrawal from the Paris Agreement, a global climate treaty endorsed by nearly 200 countries.
Here, we present Trump’s address at Davos live, along with updates and analysis.
This live blog has been made freely available as a public service to our readers. Please consider supporting SCMP’s journalism bysubscribing. Get faster notifications on the latest updates bydownloading our app.
More from our reporting
Reporting by Kawala Xie, Khushboo Razdan, Robert Delaney and Mark Magnier
US President Donald Trump addressed the World Economic Forum in Davos today, discussing his administration’s economic accomplishments and priorities for the future. Here are the latest updates from his speech:
– Trump touted the strength of the US economy, highlighting record stock market highs, low unemployment rates, and high consumer confidence.
– He emphasized the importance of fair trade and called on other countries to open their markets to American goods and services.
– Trump discussed his administration’s efforts to reduce regulations and promote job growth, including the recent tax reform bill.
– He reiterated his “America First” agenda, stating that his primary focus is on improving the lives of American workers and businesses.
– Trump also touched on foreign policy issues, including the ongoing tensions with North Korea and the need for global cooperation to combat terrorism.
Overall, Trump’s speech at Davos showcased his commitment to economic growth and prosperity for the United States, while also emphasizing the importance of international cooperation in addressing global challenges. Stay tuned for more updates from the World Economic Forum.
Emily’s List, a group that supports Democratic women who support abortion access, endorsed Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson’s campaign for governor today.
“As governor, we are confident she will continue her strong track record of protecting our freedoms, and will work to ensure that all Michigan families have access to affordable housing and health care. We have been proud to support Sec. Benson in her previous elections and are honored to support her now,” the group’s president, Jessica Mackler, said in a statement.
The group’s endorsement comes just a day after Benson launched her gubernatorial campaign, becoming the first major candidate to jump into the Democratic primary.
In her campaign launch video, Benson told voters that she’s running for governor, “to truly make government work for everyone. We need leaders who are transparent and accountable. We need our schools and neighborhoods to be safe for all of us.”
Her state’s gubernatorial race might be one of the closest-watched races in the nation next year. Michigan cemented its status as one of the most closely divided battleground states in the nation last year, as Trump flipped the state in 2024, just four years after Joe Biden won there and just two years after Benson and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, two Democrats, were re-elected to statewide offices.
“Voters sent a clear message in the 2024 election: They want leaders who are committed to addressing the very real problems that they’re facing every day,” Benson told NBC News yesterday, adding, “As Democrats, particularly here in Michigan, we’ve got to make sure that we listen to folks and their anxieties and challenges right now, and then also respond in a way that delivers real solutions on those issues.”
One priority for her, Benson added, is making sure that “when people ask whether government works for them, they can look to our departments in Michigan and say yes.”
There are two other major candidates in the race so far — state Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt and Democratic Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, who launched an independent campaign rather than running as a Democrat.
In a whirlwind of news, President Trump is set to speak at the prestigious World Economic Forum in Davos on January 6th. This comes amidst a storm of controversy surrounding his recent comments on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), which have sparked outrage and debate across the nation.
In addition to these developments, it has been reported that troops have been ordered to the US-Mexico border in response to escalating tensions and security concerns. The deployment of military personnel has raised eyebrows and questions about the administration’s immigration policies and border security measures.
As the new year begins, all eyes will be on Trump as he addresses world leaders and business executives in Davos, while the fallout from his DEI comments and the troop deployment to the border continue to unfold. Stay tuned for updates on these developing stories.
DAVOS, Switzerland (AP) — As the World Economic Forum’s annual gabfest gets into full swing Tuesday, U.S. President Donald Trump gave everybody something to talk about with his actions on his first day back in office.
Energy industry executives will mull Trump’s vow to “drill, baby, drill.” Foreign leaders will decipher what he means by his wish to expand U.S. territory. Environmentalists will decry his planned exit from the Paris climate deal. Trade advocates can digest his newly christened “External Revenue Service” to collect tariffs and duties.
From the earliest speeches, panel discussions and back-channel meetings in the Swiss Alpine town of Davos, Trump’s executive orders and evocative oratory will loom large.
Here’s a look at what’s on tap Tuesday in Davos.
Von der Leyen, Scholz take the stage a day after Trump
Right from the start, participants will be able to riff off of, and possibly rip into, Trump’s new tack.
One of the earliest sessions serves up “early thoughts” about the U.S. presidency; another focuses on electric vehicles, a Biden administration “mandate” for which Trump vowed to revoke.
Yet another dissects how the European Union will balance its environmental ambitions with a need for economic development — and Trump’s vow to declare a “national energy emergency” will certainly weigh on minds in Brussels.
Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo, speaking Tuesday, said the bloc should “definitely stick to the goal” of the European Green Deal for both competitiveness and environmental reasons, as he alluded to Trump’s vision and steps.
“The world is full of uncertainty — after yesterday even more, and maybe tomorrow there might be even more uncertainty,” De Croo told a morning panel about Europe’s way forward. “Let’s please, as Europeans within the European Union, not add uncertainty by creating ambiguity on our goals.”
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen gets early billing on the Davos dais. Her morning speech will send an early signal about how the 27-country bloc is interpreting Washington’s new line.
She’s likely to try fancy footwork — France and her native Germany are riven by political discord and uncertainty, and some recently ascendant leaders like Italy’s Giorgia Meloni have cast themselves as more Trump-friendly.
Trump didn’t talk Ukraine. Zelenskyy will in Davos
During his presidential campaign, Trump said he could end the Russia-Ukraine war in one day. He didn’t mention either country in his inaugural address, even if he did say he wants to be “a peacemaker and a unifier” more generally.
Nearly three years after Russia’s full-blown invasion, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will take the stage. Both Moscow and Kyiv have been seeking battlefield gains to strengthen their negotiating positions ahead of any prospective talks to end the conflict.
Israel’s president, Isaac Herzog, and the prime minister of Qatar, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, are likely to discuss the Gaza ceasefire.
And U.S. corporate chieftains for companies like Coca-Cola, Bank of America and Boston Consulting Group will share thoughts on the direction of the U.S. economy under Trump’s new term.
As world leaders and business elites gather in Davos for the annual World Economic Forum, all eyes are on President Donald Trump and his first day actions in office. With a flurry of executive orders and policy announcements, Trump has already set the tone for his presidency and the impact of his decisions will undoubtedly be felt on the global stage.
From withdrawing from the Trans-Pacific Partnership to ordering the construction of a wall along the US-Mexico border, Trump’s actions have sparked controversy and concern among world leaders and business executives alike. The uncertainty surrounding his policies and their potential implications for international trade and diplomacy are sure to dominate discussions at Davos this year.
As the world waits to see how Trump’s presidency will unfold, the stakes are high and the implications are far-reaching. With so much uncertainty in the air, one thing is clear: Trump’s first day actions loom large as Davos begins. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.
LONDON — European stocks opened in mixed territory on Tuesday, as traders reviewed the first executive orders that newly inaugurated U.S. President Donald Trump signed on Monday.
The pan-European Stoxx 600 opened flat, while Germany’s DAX fell slightly after hitting a record high. While the FTSE 100 opened 0.05% higher, the Italy’s FTSE MIB and CAC 40 were both in negative territory at 8.15 a.m. London time.
Orsted shares sunk by 15% after the company unveiled a fourth-quarter 12.1 billion Danish Krone ($1.7 billion) hit linked to its U.S. offshore wind turbine projects. Meanwhile, European automakers Stellantis and BMW moved lower on the threat of potential U.S. tariffs.
Global investors will be assessing the potential impact of Trump’s second term in office following his inauguration as the 47th president of the U.S. on Monday. After the ceremony, Trump signed some of his first executive orders before an audience of 20,000 supporters at the Capital One Arena in Washington.
On the data front, private sector wages in the U.K. rose 6% in the three months to November, compared to the previous year, the Office for National Statistics said Tuesday. The agency also revealed that November payroll figures fell by 0.1% compared to October, pointing to a weakening labor market. The two data indicators together give the Bank of England’s rate-setters a mixed picture of the state of the economy.
In Davos, Lloyds Banking Group Chief Executive Charlie Nunn told CNBC’s Squawk Box Europe that the lender expects three cuts to interest rates in 2025 from the Bank of England, in line with the interest rate swaps market. Lloyds is one of the largest mortgage lenders in the U.K.
Swiss police patrol outside the Congress Center ahead of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, on Jan. 19, 2025.
Yves Herman | Reuters
In other news, European market investors will be keeping an eye on the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, this week. The annual event, which attracts heads of government and business leaders from around the world, steps up a gear on Tuesday.
On Tuesday, there are a number of keynote speeches, with Ursula von der Leyen, head of the European Commission, set to speak at 10:50 a.m. Davos time (9:50 a.m. London time). Shortly after, Ding Xuexiang, the vice premier of China, will give a keynote speech at 11:20 a.m.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz will address the forum at 2 p.m. local time and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will speak at 2:30 p.m. The forum will be a crucial platform for the president to present Ukraine’s case ahead of likely pressure from Trump to reach a ceasefire with Russia to end the war.
Later in the afternoon, Cyril Ramaphosa, the president of South Africa, will give a keynote at 3:45 p.m. Davos time.
Elsewhere, Austria’s Raiffeisen Bank International, the biggest Western bank in Russia, said it will set aside funds after a Russian court made a 2 billion euros ($2.08 billion) ruling against it.
There are no major earnings releases due in Europe Tuesday. Data releases include the U.K. unemployment rate for November and the ZEW indicator of European economic sentiment data.
As European markets continue to digest the implications of Joe Biden’s victory in the US presidential election, attention has now turned to the impact of Trump 2.0 on global markets. With the inauguration of President Trump’s successor just days away, European investors are closely monitoring how the new administration will shape economic policies and trade relations.
One key event on the horizon is the annual World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, where global leaders and business executives will gather to discuss and debate the most pressing issues facing the world economy. The forum, which will be held virtually this year due to the ongoing pandemic, will provide a platform for discussions on topics such as climate change, inequality, and the future of globalization.
As European markets look ahead to a post-Trump era, there is both optimism and uncertainty about the future. While President-elect Biden has promised to prioritize diplomacy and multilateralism in his approach to foreign policy, there are concerns about potential trade tensions and regulatory changes that could impact European companies.
Overall, European markets are bracing for a new chapter in US-European relations and are keeping a close eye on developments in Washington and Davos as they assess the potential impact on their investments and portfolios.
Welcome back to our annual Need to Know: Davos newsletter!
The global elite are dusting off their snow boots for the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland (this Monday through Friday), where “Collaboration for the Intelligent Age” isn’t just a fancy theme — it’s a loaded proposition for what might be one of the most consequential gatherings in years. This year, however, the Swiss mountains are competing with another summit altogether: Donald Trump’s inauguration in Washington.
Jamie Dimon warned of economic threats as his bank posted its biggest annual profit ever
The elephant in the (virtual) room: Just days after his inauguration on Monday, Trump on Thursday will address Davos via a video link in what WEF President and CEO Borge Brende says will be a “very special moment.” But the real story might be who won’t be in Davos. Tech leaders including Mark Zuckerberg, Sam Altman, and Dara Khosrowshahi are choosing the D.C. swamp over the Alps. Meanwhile, Wall Street remains committed to Davos, with JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon and other banking executives rumored to be sticking to their usual Swiss schedules.
While some tech leaders are heading to Washington, Davos isn’t exactly hurting for attendees. The Swiss gathering will host 60 heads of state and government, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and China’s Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang. For the second year in a row, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will make a special address about the Russian invasion of his country.
On the business side, more than 900 CEOs will be navigating the Congress Centre’s corridors, including what WEF said will include a notable contingent of unicorn founders and tech pioneers. They’ll be tackling an agenda heavy on “frontier technologies” and quantum computing — even if some of Silicon Valley’s biggest names will be missing.
The Forum is also pushing its “Global Collaboration Village,” an extended reality platform that feels either perfectly timed for an era of virtual diplomacy or like a solution in search of a problem (we’ll be watching to see which).
Some of the topics that will take center stage:
“Agentic AI” is having its moment: Forget last year’s theoretical AI discussions. OpenAI’s Sam Altman says 2025 is when AI agents will actually join the workforce, and the company is launching its “Operator” product this month.
The talent crisis is getting real: Japan just hit a sobering milestone with 30% of its population now elderly. Several Davos sessions focus on “talent scarcity” and “reinventing retirement” — signals that demographic shifts are no longer a future problem. Could AI agents help? You better believe they’ll be pitched.
A $30 trillion reality check: That’s the investment needed to get “hard-to-abate” sectors (think shipping, aviation, and steel) to net-zero emissions. These industries represent 40% of global emissions, and while everyone will talk about the opportunity, the funding gap remains stark. In this instance, the chance AI could be helpful actually has some decent evidence.
The big, perennial question: Can a gathering that’s often criticized as an elite talking shop actually make progress on what WEF’s founder and executive chairman Klaus Schwab calls a “societal revolution”? With converging technologies “reshaping the very fabric of our world” (his words, not ours), this year’s Alpine gathering might matter more than the skeptics think.
The full program can be found here, with many of the sessions being streamed live. We’ll be watching closely and bringing you the most important developments. Stay tuned.
P.S. At least one person is trying to have it all: Argentina’s President Javier Milei plans to attend both Trump’s inauguration and Davos. Now that’s what we call global collaboration.
—Jackie Snow
Davos 2025: A Glimpse into the Future of Global Leadership
As we look ahead to the World Economic Forum in Davos in 2025, one thing is certain – the landscape of global leadership is rapidly evolving. With new technologies, shifting geopolitical dynamics, and a growing focus on sustainability, the discussions and debates at Davos are sure to be more dynamic and impactful than ever before.
So, what can we expect at Davos 2025?
1. A focus on sustainability: With climate change increasingly at the forefront of global concerns, expect to see a strong emphasis on sustainability at Davos 2025. From discussions on renewable energy to innovative solutions for tackling plastic pollution, leaders from around the world will come together to address the pressing environmental challenges facing our planet.
2. Tech innovation and digital transformation: The rapid pace of technological advancement is reshaping industries and societies around the world. At Davos 2025, expect to see conversations on artificial intelligence, blockchain, and other cutting-edge technologies that are driving the digital transformation of the global economy.
3. Geopolitical tensions and cooperation: In an increasingly interconnected world, geopolitical tensions have the potential to impact economies and societies on a global scale. At Davos 2025, leaders will grapple with complex geopolitical challenges, from trade disputes to regional conflicts, and seek to find solutions through dialogue and cooperation.
4. Inclusive leadership and diversity: As the world becomes more interconnected, the need for inclusive leadership that reflects the diversity of our societies has never been greater. Expect to see discussions at Davos 2025 on the importance of diversity in leadership and the role of women and underrepresented groups in driving innovation and progress.
Overall, Davos 2025 promises to be a forum for bold ideas, critical conversations, and collaborative solutions to the most pressing challenges facing our world. Stay tuned for updates and insights as we look ahead to this important gathering of global leaders.
The Swiss town of Davos each year hosts the WEF. | Image: investorsinproperty.com
The World Economic Forum is back in the Swiss Alps for its 55th year from January 20 to 24, 2025. Every year for over half a century, the world’s political and industrial elite descend on the small alpine village of Davos and turn the ski resort into the schmooze-fest of the movers and shakers in the world’s global economy. Heralded as ‘The place where leaders meet,’ the ski village hosts around 2,500 influential guests through a week of panels, presentations, and invite-only break-out sessions. This year, the program includes more than 300 sessions (200 of which are livestreamed to a global audience) aimed at accelerating progress and addressing global challenges.
This year, between 200-300 internationally protected persons are in attendance, including approximately 60 heads of state and government, ministers, and representatives from international organizations. Many of these high-profile attendees will arrive by private jet into Samedan airport near St. Moritz. In addition, around 1,600 business leaders from over 130 countries are expected to also attend, and Zurich airport is anticipating an additional 1,000 flights during this period (compared to approximately 750 flights into Zurich per day). While a definite guest list for 2025 has not been confirmed for security reasons, it is anticipated that, amonst others, Javier Milei (President of Argentina), Ursula von der Leyen (President of the European Commission), Ding Xuexiang (Deputy Prime Minister of China), Ilham Aliyev (President of Azerbaidzhan), Mostafa Madbouli (Prime Minister of Egypt), Isaac Herzog (President of Israel), Tharman Shanmugaratnam (President of Singapore), and Volodymyr Zelensky (President of Ukraine) will attend. U.S. President Donald Trump will attend the conference via video link.
This year’s WEF will be held from January 20-24. | Image: WEF
What makes Davos so attractive for these most influential attendees is that aside from the guaranteed discretion in Switzerland, Davos can only be reached by one road, making it easy to safeguard against terrorist attacks or violent left-wing protests. Each year, the Swiss Army descends on the two entry points on either side of the valley and monitors everyone who enters with Swiss precision. There are checkpoints at key access roads and bridges as well as at Samedan airport near St. Moritz, where many attendants fly in on private jets (it is not a commercial airport). Swiss authorities coordinate a comprehensive security plan, involving up to 5,000 armed forces personnel and inter-cantonal police collaboration. Measures include restricted airspace, controlled helicopter traffic, and strict entry checkpoints. Freedom of opinion and peaceful demonstrations are encouraged, but unauthorized protests are dealt with firmly. Tourism in Davos is generally unaffected during the WEF, though personal, vehicle, and baggage checks at access points may cause delays.
Samedan airport is the closest private airport to Davos and can be closely monitored by the military. | Image: Julia Schneemann
The event’s security costs, estimated at CHF 9 million annually, are shared under a three-tier finance model involving the WEF Foundation, the federal government, the Canton of Graubünden, and the commune of Davos.
Locals in Davos, however, are less impressed each year by the circus descending on their village.Access to basic infrastructure becomes difficult or at times impossible, as certain areas and roads are blocked off for the week, including around the Congress Center / Kongress Hotel / Hotel Hilton Garden Inn; the AlpenGold and Belvédère hotels; the ice rink and the Lago heliport incl. the lake car park and meadow. Prices explode to a manifold of their usually already high rates. A five-night stay in one of Davos’ nicer hotels blows out to CHF 25,000 (USD 29,000), and even basic hotels charge CHF 1,000 (USD 1,160) per night. Luxury chalets in Davos also quintuple their prices and are known to fetch between CHF 500,000 and CHF 1 million for the week. According to Swiss newspaper Blick, there are even reports of landlords forcing out tenants for the WEF week to earn a few extra thousand franks for the week.
Regardless of what locals or critics might think of the WEF, it does not appear the world’s economic elite has any plans of abandoning its annual get-together despite an estimated cost of $40,000 per delegate. While there is no proven direct economic value of a delegate’s attendance for a company, absence from the prestigious annual event might send a troubling message about a company’s economic position or its significance on the global stage.
There is a private airport near St. Moritz which many WEF attendees use. | Image: Julia Schneemann
The World Economic Forum Returns to Davos, Switzerland, for the 55th Time
The annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) is set to take place once again in the picturesque town of Davos, Switzerland. This year marks the 55th time that global leaders, business executives, and thought leaders will come together to discuss the most pressing economic and societal issues facing the world today.
The theme for this year’s forum is “The Great Reset,” which focuses on the need for a more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient post-pandemic world. With the COVID-19 pandemic still affecting economies and societies around the globe, there is a sense of urgency to address the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
The forum will feature a series of high-level discussions, panels, and workshops on topics such as climate change, digital transformation, inequality, and global health. Participants can expect to hear from prominent speakers, including government officials, CEOs, academics, and activists, who will share their insights and solutions to the world’s most pressing issues.
As the world looks towards recovery and rebuilding in the wake of the pandemic, the World Economic Forum serves as a crucial platform for fostering collaboration, innovation, and action. Stay tuned for updates and highlights from this year’s forum as global leaders come together to shape a better future for all.
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