Every year in January, the world’s most influential business leaders and heads of state — as well as a small but growing number of global development organizations — descend upon the snowy Swiss town of Davos for the World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting.
This year, in WEF’s estimation, the gathering takes place against its most complicated geopolitical backdrop to date. Talks to end wars in Gaza and Ukraine are expected to top the agenda, as well as long-term strategies for climate, nature, and energy. More than 60 heads of state are going, not to mention U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres.
“At the end of the day, it’s the level of people that counts. Even big organizations might only send a few individuals and it’s the highest-level people, the ones who are calling the shots and taking funding and strategic decisions,” said Alexandre Cabaret, vice president of partnerships at Devex and a six-time Davos attendee.