Davos Gathering: Big Names, Bigger Tensions
The World Economic Forum's annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland, is set to be a hotspot for political and business leaders. Among the notable attendees is U.S. President Donald Trump, who is making his first in-person appearance since 2020. This year, he is bringing the largest U.S. delegation yet, according to the WEF.
A Record Turnout Amid Geopolitical Tensions
The event is expected to draw close to 3,000 leaders from various sectors, including:
- A record number of political leaders
- Top company executives
- Tech pioneers
However, not everyone is keen on attending. The Danish government has decided to skip the event amid escalating tensions over Greenland, highlighting the geopolitical strains that will likely dominate discussions.
Notable Absentees and Uncertain Attendees
Several other big names are also missing from the list:
- Chinese President Xi Jinping
- Brazilian President Lula da Silva
- Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi
Meanwhile, U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer's attendance remains uncertain, although Finance Minister Rachel Reeves is confirmed to be there.
Theme and Key Discussions
The theme of this year's forum is "A spirit of dialogue," focusing on:
- Geopolitical issues
- AI
- Climate change
- Economic growth
- Preparedness
However, the real buzz is around who will be there and who won't. The event is seen as a crucial platform for governments to engage with businesses, despite growing criticism of its elitist reputation.
Leadership Changes and New Faces
Among the notable absentees is WEF's founder, Klaus Schwab, who stepped down earlier this year. His departure follows an investigation into alleged misconduct, although he was subsequently cleared of any wrongdoing. BlackRock CEO Larry Fink and Roche vice-chair Andre Hoffman have taken over as interim co-chairs, aiming to refocus the forum on economic issues and attract more CEOs.
Tech Industry Leaders in the Spotlight
The forum will also feature prominent figures from the tech industry, including:
- Nvidia's Jensen Huang
- Microsoft's Satya Nadella
- Anthropic's Dario Amodei
Investors will be watching closely for updates on:
- U.S. policies
- AI advancements
- Global economic trends
Davos: A Platform for Global Dialogue
Despite the criticisms, Davos remains a significant event for global leaders to discuss pressing issues and forge alliances. The presence of key figures like Argentina's Javier Milei and Indonesia's Prabowo Subianto underscores the event's ongoing relevance in world politics.
