Global Leaders Absent from Davos Forum
As the world’s elite gather in Davos, Switzerland, for the annual World Economic Forum, a notable absence of key leaders has raised eyebrows. The four-day event, themed “Collaboration for the Intelligent Age,” aims to address pressing global challenges and shape emerging opportunities. However, several prominent heads of state will not be attending.
Notable Absences
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chinese President Xi Jinping, French President Emmanuel Macron, Italy’s leader Giorgia Meloni, and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer are among the notable absentees. Of the Group of Seven (G7) industrialized nations, only outgoing German Chancellor Olaf Scholz will attend the summit in person.
A Shift in Global Dynamics
The absence of these leaders reflects a shift in global dynamics, with many countries re-evaluating their priorities and relationships. “The leaders of Brazil, of China, of India, who gave the keynote speeches 10 years ago, are not there now,” notes Jan Aart Scholte, professor of global transformations and governance challenges at Leiden University.
Domestic Pressures and Elite Perception
Pressing domestic problems, such as slowing economic growth and political crises, may be keeping heads of government at home. Additionally, some leaders may be ambivalent about attending an event perceived as elite and out-of-touch.
Big Names Still Attending
Despite the absences, several high-profile leaders will still attend the summit, including Ding Xuexiang, the vice premier of China, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and Cyril Ramaphosa, the president of South Africa. The head of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, will also be in attendance.
Understanding the Minds of Leaders
Sven Smit, a senior partner at McKinsey & Company, emphasizes the importance of understanding the perspectives of the leaders attending the forum. “You can’t fully predict it, there are themes out there that people suggest, they range from growth to sustainability, but what distils as a Davos theme is not fully predictable and that’s the interesting part.”
A Changing World Order
The World Economic Forum has faced criticism for being out of touch with the needs of ordinary people. However, Scholte notes that the organization has acknowledged its limitations and is now more open to diverse perspectives. “I think there’s a bit more modesty that, no, it sometimes doesn’t fully work. And no, we haven’t always taken sufficient account of those who feel excluded from this.”
Still a Draw for Leaders
Despite the challenges, the World Economic Forum remains a significant draw for business and political leaders. As Scholte puts it, “There are various indicators that a site like the World Economic Forum isn’t as strong a magnet as it might have been a couple of decades ago… But the idea that it’s no longer a magnet, and the idea that it also doesn’t have certain areas within world economic governance where it can still be very strong, I think that would be wrong.”
Leave a Reply