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Geneva – The head of the World Economic Forum said the 45th annual meeting taking place from January 21-24 was occurring during a critical crossroads where the shift between violent extremism was intersecting with global co-operation and solidarity.
Klaus Schwab, founder and executive chairman of the World Economic Forum, told press on Wednesday: “On the one hand there is disintegration, hate and fundamentalism. On the other hand there is solidarity and co-operation. We saw both worlds in Paris: The terrorist attack represented the first, and the protest march represented the other.”
“It is a year of destiny for human kind,” he said. “And this will be represented in the programme at the World Economic Forum.”
Read: Press conference as it happened
Bringing leaders together
Over 40 heads of state and government, as well as 2 500 other leaders from business and society will convene in Davos-Klosters, Switzerland, to discuss The New Global Context.
This context consists of 10 global challenges affecting the world today: environment and resource scarcity; employment skills and human capital; gender parity; long-term investing, infrastructure and development; food security and agriculture; international trade and investment; future of the internet; global crime and anti-corruption; social inclusion; and future of financial systems.
Current affairs, such as the escalating geopolitical conflicts, pandemics, diverging growth and the new energy context are on the agenda as well.
Listen: Alec Hogg gives his preview of the event
“The World Economic Forum serves the international community as a platform for public-private cooperation,” said Schwab. “Such co-operation, to address the challenges we all face, is more vital than ever before. But it requires mutual trust. My hope is that the Annual Meeting serves as the starting point for a renaissance of global trust.”
Jacob Zuma will be among the key government representatives present.
Participants also include more than 1 500 business leaders from the forum’s 1 000 Member companies, 300 public figures as well as recognised leaders from other forum communities, including social entrepreneurs, global shapers, young global leaders and technology pioneers.
Representatives from international organisations and civil society, as well as religious leaders, cultural leaders, academia and the media will also participate.
The full programme consists of over 280 sessions out of which over 100 sessions will be live webcast. The themes include:
Crisis and co-operation
Resolving geopolitical crises: With conflicts continuing to destabilise Ukraine, the Middle East and other parts of the world, what can the international community do to help bring about a lasting peace?
Repercussions of climate change: As the world prepares for another round of post-Kyoto climate negotiations, what are the chances for success at the climate meeting in Paris? And how can the private sector contribute?
Pandemics and health: As the outbreak of Ebola has shown, combating the spread of viruses is still a worldwide priority. At the same time, non-communicable diseases such as diabetes are becoming the world’s biggest silent killer. What can the world do to ensure global health going forward?
Growth and stability
Diverging growth and monetary policies: As expansionary monetary policy in one part of the world comes to an end, central banks policies in other parts of the world are further incentivizing the growth and employment, with mixed results. What will 2015 bring in terms of growth and monetary policies around the world?
The new energy context: As energy prices are dropping to five-year lows, what are the short- and long-term effects on the world? What does it mean for growth in emerging economies and the impact on climate change?
Innovation and industry
Future of technology: As technology expands to virtually all aspects of the economy, how does it affect our lives? What good can technology do for the world? And what is the right balance between competition and innovation in the technology industry?
Society and security
Income inequality and the development agenda: While many countries are still struggling to reinvigorate growth, the discussion in other countries revolves around the redistribution of wealth. How can we incorporate the needs of developing nations, struggling western economies, and the equality and parity questions.
Message from Klaus Schwab, founder and executive chairman of the World Economic Forum:
