WEF 2023 begins in Davos: Significance, attendees, agenda and all you need to know

Davos, a small town situated in heart of Swiss Alps, sprawls with some of world’s wealthiest and most powerful figures once a year in January, month of World Economic Forum meeting. forum draws in big figures from various arenas of life, from politicians and entrepreneurs to socialites and celebrities who gar to discuss some of most pressing issues currently existing in world.

According to Euro News, World Economic Forum (WEF) was founded in 1971 by Swiss-German economist and professor Klaus Schwab, who wished to bring global leers toger to cooperate on social, economic, and political issues. It operates on mission- "Committed to improving state of world".

This year’s meeting will be held between 16 and 20 January, and will witness several notable figures show up in ski town, including German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva, European Union President Ursula von der Leyen, according to Anolu Agency. 

highly exclusive guest list will consist of over 2,700 leers from 130 nations. meeting will also be attended by Laurence Fink, CEO of American multinational investment company BlackRock. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that members of his government are also planning to attend forum, ding that he has spoken to Fink about Ukraine’s reconstruction once ongoing war ends.

"Specialists of this company are alrey helping Ukraine to structure fund for reconstruction of our state," Zelenskyy said in an dress. 

Why has forum faced criticism in past?

Apart from bringing in several prominent figures, event is also likely to bring protests centered around climate change. Hundreds of climate activists are expected to show up to speak against large companies and elite for performing climate-harming actions in everyday life. 

Davos has also been center of criticism, with critics accusing elite of hypocrisy for showing up at annual meeting in ir private jets to discuss important issues such as climate change. Last year, more than 1,000 planes traveled in and out of airports serving Davos for summit.