"Responsible and appropriate leadership" - this is the motto of this year's World Economic Forum in Davos, where the world's elite meet. This year, however, there seems to be a lot of uncertainty there.
He, Klaus Schwab, is not guilty. The World Economic Forum, founded by Schwab in 1971, is not to blame either: it is not to blame for economic inequality in many societies, it is not to blame for the growing fear of globalization, nor for the anti-globalization movement; he is not to blame for the success of the populists in voting for Brexit in Great Britain, nor for the outcome of the presidential elections in the USA.
This is how the quote, with which Švab opened the press conference on the occasion of the 47th Economic Forum in Davos, could be understood. Schwab read a text he wrote 20 years ago: back then he warned of the rise of populism, arguing that globalization must be profitable for the majority of people, not just for a small elite.
All that applies even today, says Švab. "Any attempt to respond to complex global challenges with simple solutions is doomed to failure. We must not believe only in populist solutions".
Švab sees his Economic Forum as a counterbalance, that is, a concept opposed to populism. Every year, at the Forum in Davos, you can hear many different views and opinions of politicians, entrepreneurs and investors, as well as scientists, representatives of non-governmental organizations and people dedicated to social engagement.
A meeting of the global elite
Even so, the World Economic Forum is a gathering of the global elite and the world establishment. This is where political power meets financial power. And for years it has been preached that more globalization, more trade with other countries and fewer barriers for international capital holders make the world a better place to live.
But the old postulates are increasingly under suspicion. Especially in Western democracies, there are more and more people who wonder whether globalization and the global competition associated with it have more disadvantages and disadvantages or advantages. This also played a role with the British when they voted for Brexit, but also when Trump was elected in the USA.
Švab therefore stands for solidarity. "Every market economy produces winners and losers, he says. "The system is only sustainable when there is enough solidarity between winners and losers."
By the way, this year's Forum in Davos is entitled "Responsible and appropriate leadership". It should be an association with the growing alienation between large parts of the population and the elites, but also with the loss of trust in institutions.
Who comes and who doesn't?
German Chancellor Angela Merkel canceled her participation in the Forum. Finance Minister Wolfgang Schäuble and Defense Minister Ursula von der Leyen are traveling to Davos instead. French President Francois Hollande is staying at home, as is new Italian Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni. But the British Prime Minister is coming - although it is unlikely that Theresa May will present concrete plans for Brexit in the Alps.
Important politicians from the US are missing this year, because on January 20, which is the last day of the World Economic Forum, the new US president is sworn in. Only former hedge fund manager Anthony Scaramucci, who, as part of Trump's transition team, was preparing to take over jobs from the Obama administration, is expected.
Although Trump will not be in Davos, he will still dominate this year's World Economic Forum. Will the US isolate itself politically? Will they terminate agreements on free trade and those on climate protection? What will his policy towards China look like? All these questions will certainly be asked in Davos - but there will be no answers.
However, Klaus Schwab has another "ace up his sleeve" – the man who will make eyes turn to Davos. Chinese President Xi Jinping will appear there this year and give a speech. It is the first visit to the World Economic Forum by a Chinese head of state since 2003.
China is not a democracy and Xi need not fear that he will anger the voters. His appearance in Davos, for Schwab, is "particularly relevant" considering the motto of the meeting, which is "Adaptive and responsible leadership." "When it comes to economic power, China will soon catch up with the US. That's why I expect President Xi Jinping to tell us in what way and how China will responsibly and appropriately take the leading role in issues of global importance."
New records
More than 3.000 top politicians, top managers and scientists will attend the World Economic Forum in Davos - so many have never been there. The arrival was also announced by the Secretary General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres. "All the important international organizations will be in Davos," Schwab said, "but also all the big state funds and their top managers."
Along with that come private, but no less potent investors such as Ray Dalio, head of the world's largest hedge fund "Bridgewater", then Larry Fink, head of one of the largest financial management and investment consulting firms "Blackrock" or the founder of "Microsoft". Bill Gates, now chairman of the largest private foundation in the world.
Among the rituals in Davos is that the heads of state and ministers participating in the Forum try to convince the financial elites around the world to invest in their countries.
Artists are present
Numerous discussions, lectures and workshops are focused on topics such as reviving the weak economy in the world, reforms of capitalism in order to prevent the deepening of divisions in society, the question of how to face the loss of trust in governments and institutions, but also the fourth industrial revolution, i.e. the consequences of digitization on employment and welfare. In Davos there must be no shortage of culture. "We collaborate with 40 artists, so-called 'leaders in culture', because they listen to what the people think and are able to tell the truth in the face of the powerful," says Ema Benamojr, who is in charge of program planning.
The winners of the "Crystal" awards, which are traditionally presented to artists during the first evening and the opening, are already known and they are: the German violinist Anne-Sophie Mutter, the Colombian pop singer Shakira and the American actor Forest Whitaker were awarded for their social engagement.
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