Davos Shifts Focus as Organizers Readied Red Carpet for President Trump

President Trump is the forum’s most prominent attendee at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, and forum organizers readied the red carpet for him; he is expected to speak on Wednesday, the article says. The piece notes that the forum’s traditional rhetoric — centered on global integration, climate change and international cooperation — has receded.

Organizers set this year’s theme as “A Spirit of Dialogue” and said discussions were needed “amid the most complex geopolitical backdrop in decades,” but the news release made no mention of climate change or an energy transition and omitted buzzwords like fair taxation, sustainability and social justice.

Some 3,000 participants from 130 countries are heading to Davos, and organizers say 65 heads of state and 850 major corporate executives will attend. The article recounts recent leadership changes at the forum: Klaus Schwab has departed amid accusations of mismanagement, and Larry Fink of BlackRock became interim co‑chair in August.

It adds that Mr. Fink has sought Mr. Trump’s support for a bid to purchase ports at the Panama Canal and “contributed at least $2.5 million toward Mr. Trump’s ballroom.” It also notes Marc Benioff’s recent efforts to win Mr. Trump’s favor and that he is scheduled to appear in conversation with David Sacks.

Key Topics

World, Donald Trump, World Economic Forum, Davos, Larry Fink, Blackrock