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What is WEF? -

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.

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Rival events -

Many conferences use "Davos" in their names, attempting to capitalize on the brand's prestige, like "Davos in the Desert."

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Brand protection -

WEF actively defends its brand against misuse, especially when rival events like "Davos in the Desert" emerge.

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Not-for-profit mission - WEF is a non-profit organization with a mission to "improve the state of the world."

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Focus on global issues -

Davos features discussions on a variety of issues, from the global economy to stress management and more.

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Networking hub -

Though sessions are important, most attendees network extensively, making valuable connections in a small space.

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After-hours events -

Networking continues late into the night with exclusive dinners, drinks, and parties hosted by attending firms.

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Founding vision -

Klaus Schwab founded WEF in 1971 to discuss global management practices and improve corporate governance.

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Political networking -

Davos offers world leaders a unique opportunity to meet away from the public eye, fostering private diplomacy.

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Costs -

Companies pay 27,000 Swiss francs (US$30,800) per person to attend, in addition to annual membership fees to WEF.

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Exclusive membership -

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.

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Badge hierarchy -

High-profile guests receive a white badge with a hologram, granting access to exclusive meetings and areas. 

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The most coveted badge -

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.

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"Davos Man" -

"Davos Man" refers to the stereotypical wealthy, powerful elite male attendee, a common criticism of the event's demographic.

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Gender disparity -

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.

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Age demographics -

The average age of Davos attendees is 54 for men and 49 for women, reflecting years of career achievement.

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Youngest and oldest attendees -

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.

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Jargon overload -

The WEF event is notorious for complex corporate jargon and themes, such as "Globalization 4.0" and the "Fourth Industrial Revolution."

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High-profile speakers -

Notable figures like Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Prince William, Angela Merkel, and Emmanuel Macron have spoken at Davos events.

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Security measures -

Security is tight, with snipers on rooftops, secure zones, and constant bag and coat checks at the conference center.

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Celebrity attendees -

Past guests include Angelina Jolie, Bono, Matt Damon, and Elton John, adding a layer of star power to the forum.

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Criticism -

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.

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Global discussion -

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.

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Historic talks -

North and South Korea held their first ministerial talks at Davos in 1989, marking a historic moment in diplomacy.

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Meeting lead to action -

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.

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Crucial agreements -

In 1988, Davos helped Turkey and Greece avoid war through diplomatic discussions, showcasing the event's impact.

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Climate change activism - Climate change activists, including Greta Thunberg, have attended the meeting to demand more aggressive actions from world leaders and corporations.

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Influence and lobbying -

Davos serves as a critical space where companies, countries, and activists try to influence global decision-makers.

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Corporate stalls -

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

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