#TheWorldEconomicForum — what it is and what’s happening now, especially at this year’s annual meeting:

World is entering time of 'great power politics', warns German chancellor
Macron tells Davos of a 'shift towards a world without rules'
January 22
January 20
What the World Economic Forum Is
The World Economic Forum (WEF) is a Swiss-based international not-for-profit organization focused on fostering cooperation between business leaders, governments, academics and civil society to tackle global problems. It was founded in 1971 by Klaus Schwab and is headquartered near Geneva, Switzerland.

Its mission is to “improve the state of the world” by shaping global, regional and industry agendas. The WEF does this through research, sector initiatives, and by hosting major meetings.

Annual Meeting in Davos
The WEF is best known for its annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland, where around 3,000 leaders — including heads of state, CEOs, academics and journalists — gather for several days of panels and discussions about pressing global issues.
What’s Happening at
This year’s forum in Davos (often tagged or #TheWorldEconomicForum) has been dominated by a mix of geopolitical, economic and technological debates:
• Geopolitical tensions: Leaders discussed rising “great power politics” and the erosion of the traditional global order.
• Global rules under strain: French President Macron said the world is shifting toward a “world without rules,” highlighting concerns over unilateral actions by major powers.
• AI challenges: Expert panels at the forum emphasized that trust and ethical alignment, not just tighter regulation, are key challenges for artificial intelligence.
• US-Europe relations: US President Donald Trump attended and focused on international security and economic themes, including tensions over tariffs and territorial issues, though some threats were stepped back during the forum.
• Economic cooperation focus: The WEF continues to emphasize dialogue among global leaders — hence this year’s framing around a “spirit of dialogue.”

World Economic Forum
Why It Matters
The WEF is not a government or legislature — it does not make binding laws — but it is influential as a convener for people who do make policies and business decisions. Critics argue it gives too much voice to corporate interests, while supporters say it fosters essential dialogue on issues like climate change, technology, and economic cooperation.