The World Economic Forum. Influential and controversial

The World Economic Forum is considered to have significant influence. At the same time, it attracts considerable criticism. To its proponents, the organisation – through its meetings – enables business, NGOs and political leaders to meet and debate possible solutions to key issues of global concern. To its critics, the Forum, and specifically its annual meetings, is nothing more than an opaque venue for political and business leaders to take decisions without having to account to their electorate or shareholders. Nevertheless, its longevity and the high profile of those attending its events, make it an organisation that is well known and widely referenced.

In 2016, the Forum’s Annual Meeting – with the theme ‘Mastering the Fourth Industrial Revolution: how to adapt to the transformation of production, distribution and consumption systems, caused by mobile internet, smaller, cheaper and more powerful sensors, as well as artificial intelligence and machine learning’ – will be co‑chaired by six personalities from varying backgrounds, and attended by over 2 500 participants, including several European Commissioners.

Written by Angelos Delivorias.

ESO: Background information: Davos report warns of EU disintegration http://www.europeansources.info/record/davos-report-warns-of-eu-disintegration/

World Economic Forum: World Economic Forum Annual Meeting, 20-23 January 2016 http://www.weforum.org/events/world-economic-forum-annual-meeting-2016

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