🌐 Global Affairs & Economy

🌍 Davos 2025 – The World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting and Its Global Impact

From January 20 to 24, 2025, the World Economic Forum (WEF) is hosting its Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland.
This high-profile summit brings together global leaders from business, politics, and civil society to confront the most pressing issues of our time.

Among the key attendees are:

• Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission
• Ding Xuexiang, Vice Premier of China

🕰️ History of the WEF

• Founded in 1971 by Klaus Schwab, a German economics professor.
• Initially known as the European Management Forum, it sought to improve European business practices.
• By the late 1970s, its focus expanded to global economic and social challenges.

🤝 The Concept of Stakeholder Capitalism

• Schwab introduced the idea of “stakeholder capitalism”:
  • Companies should create long-term value, not just chase short-term profits.
  • Corporations must consider all stakeholders:
    • Employees
    • Communities
    • Environment
    • Shareholders
• This model underpins much of the WEF’s philosophy and agenda today.

🧠 Structure of the Annual Meeting

• The Annual Meeting attracts around 3,000 participants.
• Attendees include:
  • Heads of state and ministers
  • CEOs of multinational corporations
  • Leading academics, activists, and journalists
• Features over 500 sessions covering:
  • Global economy
  • Technological advancements
  • Environmental sustainability
  • Security and diplomacy

💰 Funding of the WEF

• The WEF is privately funded, primarily by partner corporations.
• These are typically large enterprises with high annual revenues.
• This funding model supports:
  • Forums and summits
  • Research initiatives
  • Public-private partnerships

🏔️ Why Davos Matters

• Beyond its alpine beauty, Davos holds symbolic value:
  • Hosted historic encounters such as North-South Korea dialogues
  • Was a platform for discussions that influenced German reunification
• The town has become synonymous with elite diplomacy and global cooperation.

🔍 Key Issues on the 2025 Agenda

The WEF addresses urgent global challenges, including:

• Artificial Intelligence and Ethics
• Climate Crisis and Energy Transition
• Geopolitical Tensions and Conflict Resolution
• Inclusive Economic Growth
• Future of Work and Education

🌐 Influence on Global Policy

• The WEF has shaped important global developments:
  • Supported the creation of the G20
  • Publishes the influential Global Competitiveness Report
• Provides a neutral space where cross-sector ideas translate into policy influence and collaborative action.

🔗 Lasting Legacy of the WEF

The World Economic Forum remains a beacon for constructive dialogue in an increasingly fragmented world.
Its dedication to collaboration, sustainability, and inclusive growth helps lay the foundation for a resilient global future.

💬 “The Forum is not just about ideas. It’s about impact.” – Klaus Schwab