Art, obsession, and identity
The World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland, is a highly anticipated gathering of global leaders, business moguls, activists, and influencers. Every year, the event brings together influential figures to discuss pressing issues such as climate change, global economic stability, and technological advancements. This year's forum has attracted attention for its focus on sustainability, innovation, and inequality.
Click on to take a deep dive into the influential event, held next on January 20 to 24, 2025.
WEF actively defends its brand against misuse, especially when rival events like "Davos in the Desert" emerge.
Many conferences use "Davos" in their names, attempting to capitalize on the brand's prestige, like "Davos in the Desert."
Davos features discussions on a variety of issues, from the global economy to stress management and more.
Though sessions are important, most attendees network extensively, making valuable connections in a small space.
Klaus Schwab founded WEF in 1971 to discuss global management practices and improve corporate governance.
Networking continues late into the night with exclusive dinners, drinks, and parties hosted by attending firms.
Davos offers world leaders a unique opportunity to meet away from the public eye, fostering private diplomacy.
North and South Korea held their first ministerial talks at Davos in 1989, marking a historic moment in diplomacy.
In 2018, the Greek and Macedonian prime ministers met for the first time in seven years, marking the beginning of resolving a 27-year dispute over Macedonia's name, which led to the country becoming North Macedonia.
The average age of Davos attendees is 54 for men and 49 for women, reflecting years of career achievement.
There are some notable exceptions. At just 16, South African wildlife photographer Skye Meaker was the youngest participant in 2019, while 92-year-old broadcaster Sir David Attenborough was the oldest.
At Davos 2024, gender representation saw improvement, with 800 women (28%) among its 3,000 participants, including 350 heads of state and ministers. While this is a record high, it’s still not many.
WEF is an international organization that brings together leaders from business, politics, academia, and civil society to discuss global issues. Their annual event is held in Davos, a Swiss mountain resort.
"Davos Man" refers to the stereotypical wealthy, powerful elite male attendee, a common criticism of the event's demographic.
Companies pay 27,000 Swiss francs (US$30,800) per person to attend, in addition to annual membership fees to WEF.
WEF membership fees range from 60,000 to 600,000 Swiss francs (approximately US$68,000 to $680,000), providing access to exclusive sessions and services for members.
High-profile guests receive a white badge with a hologram, granting access to exclusive meetings and areas.
Spouses and journalists have different color badges for varying levels of access, while the "hotel" badge, offering access to parties and skiing but not the conference center, is often considered the most coveted.
Security is tight, with snipers on rooftops, secure zones, and constant bag and coat checks at the conference center.
Notable figures like Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Prince William, Angela Merkel, and Emmanuel Macron have spoken at Davos events.
The WEF event is notorious for complex corporate jargon and themes, such as "Globalization 4.0" and the "Fourth Industrial Revolution."
Past guests include Angelina Jolie, Bono, Matt Damon, and Elton John, adding a layer of star power to the forum.
Davos serves as a critical space where companies, countries, and activists try to influence global decision-makers.
Companies set up "houses" along Davos' main street to meet with clients and promote their services.
Sources: (World Economic Forum) (BBC) (Euronews)
See also: Key historical anniversaries in 2025
In 1988, Davos helped Turkey and Greece avoid war through diplomatic discussions, showcasing the event's impact.
Though often criticized as a talking shop, Davos has proven crucial for diplomacy, fostering discussions on global issues like climate change, inequality, and resolving international conflicts through high-profile negotiations.
Critics argue that Davos epitomizes elite exclusivity, yielding few tangible outcomes. Many emphasize its lack of diverse representation and question whether it prioritizes genuine global progress over corporate and elite interests.
Inside Davos: everything about the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting
Here's a deep dive into the annual event
LIFESTYLE Global economy
The World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland, is a highly anticipated gathering of global leaders, business moguls, activists, and influencers. Every year, the event brings together influential figures to discuss pressing issues such as climate change, global economic stability, and technological advancements. This year's forum has attracted attention for its focus on sustainability, innovation, and inequality.
Click on to take a deep dive into the influential event, held next on January 20 to 24, 2025.