The World Economic Forum is the International Organization for Public-Private Cooperation. The Forum engages the foremost political, business, cultural and other leaders of society to shape global, regional and industry agendas.
It was established in 1971 as a not-for-profit foundation and is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. It is independent, impartial and not tied to any special interests. The Forum strives in all its efforts to demonstrate entrepreneurship in the global public interest while upholding the highest standards of governance.
António Guterres, Secretary-General, United Nations session at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2023 in Davos-Klosters, Switzerland, 18 January. Copyright: World Economic Forum/Sikarin Fon Thanachaiary
Although Davos is the location for the annual World Economic Forum meeting, most people also refer to the meeting itself simply as Davos. Davos takes place in January, with business and world leaders gathering to solve the biggest issues facing our world. Climate change has been a constant theme as has inclusion, diversity and how economies can be developed to meet the needs of everyone.
This year for discussions on the 2023 theme of "cooperation in a fragmented world" From energy to food to humanitarian relief, where are the concrete opportunities for progress on urgent global challenges despite the strong tides of geopolitical and geo-economic fragmentation. This year's event is taking place from January 16-20.
The World Economic Forum releases the Global Risks Report ahead of the Annual Meeting each January, to identify and analyse the upcoming near- and longer-term critical global risks that underpin discussions.
There will be plenty of business leaders at Davos – people who make big decisions that can affect everyone.
But that's not the whole story. Approximately one-third of participants are from civil society – including groups that campaign about poverty and inequality, the environment and human rights – as well as academia and the media.
The global public can watch and engage with the Annual Meeting through livestreamed sessions, social media and virtual connections to Forum hubs, centres and projects around the world.
Participation in the Annual Meeting at Davos is by invitation to the following Forum communities:
Chief executives and chairs of the Forum 1,000 Partner companiesactively engaged in initiatives and communities such as the International Business Council, Community of Chairpersons and Industry Governors.
Public figures from across the world including G7 and G20 countries, as well as heads of international organizations.
Leaders from the foremost civil society, labour and media organizations as well as top thinkers and academics.
Members of the Global Innovators and Technology Pioneers community, the Community of Global Shapers, the Forum of Young Global Leaders and the Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship.
You can see much of the action live as it happens, with over 150 sessions available to watch online and a dedicated website liveblogging highlights.
The 'Davos Manifesto', created in 1973 and renewed in 2020, lays out the principles of stakeholder capitalism - or a system of shared goals for businesses - such as those outlined in the United Nations Sustainable Development Agenda.
The World Economic Forum declares in its mission statement, "We believe that progress happens by bringing together people from all walks of life who have the drive and the influence to make positive change." Davos is an opportunity for thousands of voices and perspectives to come together to dissect how progress can actually be made every year. Davos is also an opportunity for participants and attendees to get the attention of global leaders.
Tuesday, 17 January: 08:30–09:15CET
From quiet quitting to the great resignation, what are the symptoms of a changing relationship between workers and employers and how are businesses managing this transition?
Tuesday, 17 January: 09:45–10:30CET
With 1 billion jobs liable to be radically transformed by technology in the next decade, what critical interventions are needed to support provide better skills, jobs and education for 1 billion people by 2030?
Tuesday, 17 January: 17:30–18:15CET
Moving towards a low-emission economy will require the creation of millions of "green" jobs. Who will create these jobs and how to ensure workers have the right skills to transition into them?
Wednesday, 18 January: 09:00–09:45CET
What impact will the green transition, technological advances, demographics and reorganized value chains have on labour markets globally in the next five years?
Wednesday, 18 January: 17:45–18:15CET
Evaluating employees and new hires based on their skillsets instead of their work history can help level the playing field for workers and broaden the talent pipeline for employers. How can a skills-first approach enable access to high-growth, high-wage jobs of tomorrow?
Thursday, 19 January: 15:00–15:45CET
With an unprecedented number of refugees forced to flee their homes, labour markets need to respond swiftly. How can business and government work together to create employment opportunities for refugees?
*The content shared here was originally posted on The World Economic Forums Website*