The Swiss town of Davos is hosting the 55th World Economic Forum (WEF), where 2,750 politicians, experts, business leaders, and representatives of various organizations will gather next week to discuss the challenges facing the world.
The annual event, held in the alpine resort every January, is presented as a meeting place for global political, business, and financial leaders to address major global issues. This year, however, part of the forum’s attention will be focused on the return of U.S. President Donald Trump to the White House.
The main theme of this year’s Davos meeting is cooperation in an era of rapid technological advancement.
“It is clear that artificial intelligence brings new opportunities, but also risks. It is essential to introduce these technologies with consideration for ethical, social, and other critical aspects,” said Forum Director Mirek Dušek.
War conflicts will take center stage in Davos. Panel discussions will address the situation in Gaza and Ukraine, the potential escalation of conflicts in the Middle East—particularly between Israel and Iran—and the future of Syria following the fall of President Bashar al-Assad.
This year’s forum faces a relative absence of political leaders. Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi are staying away.
The only elected leader from the Group of Seven (G7) advanced economies to take the stage in Davos will be German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, whose party, according to polls, is on track to lose the upcoming general elections in Germany next month.