Davos 2024: World leaders discuss climate change, conflicts and economic crises

Nearly 60 heads of state and government officials are expected to attend the event

A myriad of issues, ranging from global conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine, threats of climate change in Antarctica and the Amazon to the rise of AI-generated fake news and deep fakes impacting elections and the debt crisis in emerging markets have made their way to Davos, a small alpine town. 

Once recognized for its health tourism and popular among skiers, Davos now hosts the annual week-long World Economic Forum, where world leaders and experts gather to address the challenges confronting the globe.

The city has been the site of the Forum’s yearly meeting every January for the past 50 years, starting in 1971. 

Davos, a town in the Swiss Alps, is currently adorned with large billboards promoting governments and companies from around the world, while heavy snowfall has made the narrow roads even narrower.  

On Jan. 14, several roads were closed, and snow showers are expected to continue throughout the week. There are warnings of temperatures dropping to as low as minus 30 degrees Celsius at higher altitudes this season.

The 54th annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) will begin on Jan. 15, with over 2,800 global leaders participating in five days of discussions.  

More than 500 journalists are present to cover the event. Thousands of army, police and other security personnel from Switzerland and neighboring countries have been brought in to ensure the summit’s security.

Nearly 60 heads of state are expected to attend the event.

This year, the event is even more significant as the city hosted it for the first time. A meeting of 90 national security advisors from around the world is planned to discuss a peace plan for Ukraine.

The main event will begin on Jan. 15 and continue until Jan. 19. 

Source: Newsroom