Paris, France — The world’s political and business leaders are set to convene in Davos next week, with the conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine likely to dominate discussions at the annual gathering in the Swiss Alps.
Russia’s ongoing assault on Ukraine, now nearly two years old, has been a central focus of past World Economic Forum (WEF) meetings. Kyiv has consistently sent officials and lawmakers to rally support for additional weapons and funding.
Significantly, a meeting on the “Ukrainian peace formula” will be held in Davos on Sunday, just before the forum’s official start. Notably, President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine will attend in person for the first time.
However, the WEF must now also address concerns that Israel’s conflict with Hamas could escalate into a broader Middle Eastern crisis. This fear is compounded by disruptions in global trade due to attacks by Yemeni rebels on commercial ships in the Red Sea, leading to US and British airstrikes early Friday.
Alongside these pressing issues, a range of other global threats, including climate change, a cost-of-living crisis, and a faltering economy, will be on the agenda under the theme “Rebuilding Trust”.
Borge Brende, WEF president, remarked, “The gathering is taking place against the most complicated geopolitical and geoeconomic backdrop in decades.”
The gathering is taking place against the most complicated geopolitical and geoeconomic backdrop in decades.
Borge Brende, President of the World Economic Forum
A diverse array of prominent political figures is expected in Davos, including US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, French President Emmanuel Macron, and several Middle Eastern leaders, such as Israeli President Isaac Herzog and heads of state from Qatar, Jordan, and Lebanon.
Acknowledging the ongoing situation in Gaza, Brende stated, “We know that the war in Gaza is still ongoing, and there are concerns about further escalation,” emphasizing the forum’s role in exploring ways to prevent further deterioration of the situation.
Ukraine is poised to continue advocating for sustained Western support, with President Volodymyr Zelensky, who had previously participated via video link, planning to meet CEOs in person.
Adding to the intricate geopolitical landscape at Davos are the trade and diplomatic tensions between the United States and China. These international relations complexities are further compounded by significant elections scheduled in several countries this year, including Britain, India, and the United States, where Donald Trump is widely seen as a potential contender for a rematch against President Joe Biden.
A WEF survey released on Wednesday highlighted that misinformation and disinformation, potentially fueled by artificial intelligence in the lead-up to elections, are perceived as the most significant global risks for this and the following year.
“Geopolitics these days is akin to watching a circus performer spinning plates on top of poles,” Karen Harris, an economist at consulting firm Bain & Co., commented to AFP.
She noted that the Davos forum is scheduled just after Taiwan’s elections on Saturday. Taiwan, a democratic island, is viewed by China as a renegade province and is a significant source of tension between Beijing and Washington.
Geopolitics these days is akin to watching a circus performer spinning plates on top of poles.
Karen Harris, Economist, Bain & Co.
Chinese Premier Li Qiang, scheduled to give a special address on Tuesday, will be the highest-ranking Chinese official to attend Davos since President Xi Jinping’s participation in 2017.
Business as usual
More than 60 heads of state and government are expected to attend the five-day forum. The event will also host approximately 800 chief executives, contributing to a total of 2,800 participants. This year’s forum promises to be a crucial platform for discussing and addressing the myriad global challenges and geopolitical shifts.
The WEF this year will feature an intriguing newcomer: Argentina’s unconventional and libertarian new president, Javier Milei. A self-proclaimed “anarcho-capitalist,” Milei’s anti-establishment stance has led to comparisons with former US President Donald Trump.
To ensure the safety of this high-profile event, around 5,000 Swiss soldiers will be deployed for security, with fighter jets patrolling the skies over the Alpine nation.
We know that the war in Gaza is still ongoing, and there are concerns about further escalation.
Borge Brende, President of the World Economic Forum
Of course, business matters will also take center stage in the discussions. One of the key topics slated for debate is the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence. Prominent figures such as Microsoft Chief Executive Satya Nadella and Sam Altman, the head of ChatGPT developer OpenAI, are among the notable attendees expected to delve into this subject.
While politicians and executives engage in public dialogues about global issues, Davos remains a hub for behind-the-scenes networking. The ski resort’s promenade will once again host the usual array of exclusive cocktail parties, where much of the informal and influential discussions are expected to take place.
Every year, the WEF attracts protests against its exclusive nature. This year is no exception, with the Swiss Socialist Youth group organizing a demonstration on Sunday to protest what they view as a secretive meeting of the world’s wealthy and powerful elite. This demonstration underscores the ongoing debate about the role and influence of such gatherings in shaping global policies and agendas.
At A Glance Global Leaders Gather in Davos: The World Economic Forum (WEF) to host political and business leaders, with a focus on conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine. Ukraine's Continued Advocacy: President Volodymyr Zelensky to attend in person, advocating for sustained Western support. Middle Eastern Tensions: The forum to address potential escalation in the Israel-Hamas conflict and its implications for the region. Global Trade Disruptions: Impact of attacks in the Red Sea leading to US and British airstrikes. Addressing Global Threats: The WEF to discuss climate change, cost-of-living crisis, and economic challenges under the theme "Rebuilding Trust." Prominent Attendees: US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Middle Eastern leaders to participate. Trade Tensions: Discussions to include US-China diplomatic and trade relations. Elections and Global Risks: WEF survey highlights concerns over misinformation and disinformation in elections. AI as a Central Topic: Key discussions on the advancement of artificial intelligence, with leaders like Satya Nadella and Sam Altman attending. Networking Opportunities: Davos remains a crucial venue for informal and influential global discussions.
(With agency inputs)