Virtual Participation of President Donald Trump in the World Economic Forum, Discussions on Climate and Economy
Geneva — U.S. President Donald Trump will participate virtually in the World Economic Forum's annual meeting in Davos, just days after his inauguration, the forum president announced on Tuesday.
Børge Brende, the president of the Geneva-based organization and former Norwegian foreign minister, stated that Trump had attended the elite gathering twice in person during his first term.
"On Thursday afternoon, he will join us digitally, live in a dialogue with our participants," Brende told reporters on Tuesday while presenting the five-day program schedule. The program will begin on Monday — the day of Trump's inauguration.
"We think this will be a very special moment," he added, especially to learn the new administration's "policy priorities."
Brende said he was unsure whether Elon Musk, who is set to co-lead Trump's new Department of Government Efficiency, would attend, but the forum expects "high-level representation" from the administration, as the confirmation process for Trump's nominees will begin in the U.S. Senate as early as Monday.
With issues like climate change, war, global tensions, economic uncertainty, and others in mind, Brende acknowledged that the 55th annual meeting of the forum will take place "against the most complicated geopolitical backdrop in generations."
"But still, in this fragmented and partially polarized world, there are areas where we can collaborate and... we have a responsibility to find those areas where there is a possibility to improve the state of the world," he said. The theme for this year’s edition is "Collaboration for the Intelligent Age," signaling the growing importance of technology.
The Davos meeting has long been criticized as a gathering of world elites who determine the future while comfortably sitting in the Swiss Alps. Critics often argue that the developing world receives comparatively less attention than global powers and big businesses in the West or Gulf states.
Forum managing director Mirek Dušek emphasized that the participation of businesses from developing countries in the "Global South" is increasing, and the attendance of their leaders is "on parity" with leaders from the developed world.
Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Union's executive commission, plans to attend the opening day of meetings on Tuesday, after an introductory gala the night before. Other top envoys include President Javier Milei of Argentina, President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa, and Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang.
The range of topics will include the future of Syria, the fight against climate change, the threats and promises of artificial intelligence, global trade and economic growth, and wars in places like Ukraine, Sudan, and beyond.
"We are ready to roll up our sleeves and make the best out of a situation where we are faced with many, many challenges," Brende said.
