Last year at Davos, the word 'polycrisis' was on everybody's lips as leaders deliberated the cascading and connected crises of the moment. Today, even as we turn our attention to new crises, the old ones persist.
Geopolitical fractures, a pervasive cost-of-living crisis, fragile energy and food security, and of course the intensifying climate emergency remain in sharp focus as this year draws to a close. Devastating conflicts, while having remained relatively isolated, continue to rage and financial turbulence is still a concern despite the global economy staving off a recession.
So, the question for leaders as they prepare for Davos 2024: Will the coming year be a period of 'permacrisis'? Or will 2024 be a time for resolution and recovery?
Rebuilding Trust
Davos 2024 is the 54th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum. Under the theme Rebuilding Trust, the meeting aims to restore collective agency, and reinforce the fundamental principles of transparency, consistency and accountability among leaders.
The programme embodies a “back to basics” spirit of open and constructive dialogue between leaders of government, business and civil society. The goal is to help connect the dots in an increasingly complex environment and provide foresight by introducing the latest advances in science, industry and society.
The meeting is organized around four areas:
Achieving Security and Cooperation in a Fractured World
How can we effectively deal with security crises, such as the current situation in the Middle East, while at the same time putting the floor under the structural forces of fragmentation? How can we identify areas where cooperation is essential to ensure a win-win scenario for all stakeholders?
Building on the Forum’s long-term and structured engagement with governments, international organizations and experts from all regions.
Creating Growth and Jobs for a New Era
How can government, business and civil society come together around a new economic framework to avoid a decade of low growth and put people at the centre of a more prosperous trajectory? How can we minimize trade-offs and maximize synergies in a situation where traditional measures seemingly fail?
Supported through partnerships with international economic institutions and top academics, as well as the Forum’s work on competitiveness, innovation and human capital.
Artificial Intelligence as a Driving Force for the Economy and Society
How can we use AI to benefit all? How is the divergent regulatory landscape balancing innovation with societal risks? How will AI interface with other transformative technologies, including 5/6 G, quantum computing and biotechnology?
Anchored in the Forum’s AI Governance Alliance, integrating key governments and companies, and in 20 Centres for the Fourth Industrial Revolution worldwide.
A Long-Term Strategy for Climate, Nature and Energy
How can we develop a long-term systemic approach to achieve the objectives of a carbon-neutral and nature-positive world by 2050 while providing affordable, secure and inclusive access to energy, food and water? How do we balance these trade-offs to achieve social consensus?
Integrating the work of multiple purpose-driven Forum initiatives, including the CEO Climate Leaders and the First Movers Coalition.
Follow the meeting here. To learn more about the Forum’s impact, see here. And to read insights and see the latest publications from the Forum, go here.
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