The annual World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, looked be on its way to making history itself. Global heads of state and business tycoons come together to address the biggest challenges facing our society today. This year’s theme, A spirit of dialogue, resonates the aspiration for open and honest communication as our world battles unprecedented crises. We know that because one of the attendees is none other than former President Donald Trump himself. He’s traveling with five cabinet members and nearly a 100-person official administration entourage.
Davos, tucked away in the Swiss Alps, will be hosting a record-breaking participant list this year. The WEF plans to welcome 65 heads of state and government, in addition to 850 chief executives from every industry imaginable. Among the influential leaders of our time in attendance are NVIDIA’s Jensen Huang and Microsoft’s Satya Nadella—the other half of our U.S. business elite. Their presence is a testament to the increasing intersection of technology and global policy discussions.
As with every Trump event, his presence will dramatically shape the agenda, especially considering the international conversation publicly focused on his policies. His administration’s approach has been described by some as contributing to what one WEF session may label “The Great Global Disruption.” By placing these issues in stark relief, this framing highlights both the opportunities and the dangers that now define the landscape that leaders must navigate today.
The White House is preparing for the event too, by lobbying the WEF to change its tune. They’re looking for a big cut in environmental sustainability, climate change, global development and in what some folks like to call “woke” agendas. This turn could change the tenor of debates around Davos this year to address more pressing economic issues.
We are pleased to have as well Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney joining us to this forum. He should deliver a very different vision of a North America that European leaders would like to see. Carney has been a vocal champion of multilateralism. He has personally negotiated with China’s President Xi Jinping to create a positive new model of international relations based on cooperation.
Trump’s enthusiasm for Davos is well-documented. This past year, he leapt into engagement within days of his swearing-in. This change opened the door for a revitalized American presence at the forum. His administration’s approach to trade, climate change, and diplomacy continues to resonate globally, shaping expectations for this year’s gathering.
The WEF in Davos will feature numerous tech pioneers, who are increasingly central to discussions about the future of industries worldwide. Technology is changing faster than legislation. Its role in shaping economic policy and the very fabric of our society will be front and center with this year’s attendees.