The article discusses the upcoming World Economic Forum (WEF) meeting in Davos, Switzerland, and its significance in the current global climate. The WEF was founded by Klaus Schwab in 1971 as a platform for international business leaders to discuss and shape global issues. However, the article suggests that the organization has become increasingly criticized for its lack of accountability and legitimacy.
The article mentions that this year's meeting will be the first without the presence of Klaus Schwab, the WEF's founder, who stepped down from the organization's board last year due to allegations of improper spending. The investigation found "minor irregularities" but cleared him of any wrongdoing.
One former Young Global Leader, Danny Sriskandarajah, argues that the WEF has become a relic of the past and no longer serves its original purpose. He believes that the organization's multi-stakeholder approach is unaccountable and lacks legitimacy in today's world.
Another former Young Global Leader, Jamie Drummond, who co-founded the One charity with U2 lead singer Bono, says that discussions in Davos used to be useful for shaping the diplomatic year ahead, but optimism has long evaporated. He will still attend this year's meeting as a "citizen participant" and hopes to influence some of the world's most powerful people.
The article also highlights the climate impact of the annual gathering, with an analysis finding that private jet flights associated with Davos have more than tripled between 2023 and 2025.
Overall, the article suggests that the WEF meeting will be a significant event in a challenging global context, with many attending to shape the future of international business and diplomacy. However, it also highlights concerns about accountability, legitimacy, and the organization's relevance in today's world.
The article mentions that this year's meeting will be the first without the presence of Klaus Schwab, the WEF's founder, who stepped down from the organization's board last year due to allegations of improper spending. The investigation found "minor irregularities" but cleared him of any wrongdoing.
One former Young Global Leader, Danny Sriskandarajah, argues that the WEF has become a relic of the past and no longer serves its original purpose. He believes that the organization's multi-stakeholder approach is unaccountable and lacks legitimacy in today's world.
Another former Young Global Leader, Jamie Drummond, who co-founded the One charity with U2 lead singer Bono, says that discussions in Davos used to be useful for shaping the diplomatic year ahead, but optimism has long evaporated. He will still attend this year's meeting as a "citizen participant" and hopes to influence some of the world's most powerful people.
The article also highlights the climate impact of the annual gathering, with an analysis finding that private jet flights associated with Davos have more than tripled between 2023 and 2025.
Overall, the article suggests that the WEF meeting will be a significant event in a challenging global context, with many attending to shape the future of international business and diplomacy. However, it also highlights concerns about accountability, legitimacy, and the organization's relevance in today's world.