Every year, world leaders, economists, businessmen, entrepreneurs and many other thought leaders come together to attend the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, a small town in Switzerland.
In a precursor to the biggest annual economic meet, The Quint’s Editorial Director Sanjay Pugalia and BloombergQuint’s Managing Editor Menaka Doshi take you through the key highlights of WEF 2018.
Why is WEF 2018 So Special?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to make his first appearance at WEF 2018 which will take place from 23 January to 26 January. But what makes this year’s WEF annual meet so special is that – for the first time – all the seven co-chairs of the summit will be women.
The chair includes names like CERN’s Director General Fabiola Gianotti, Norway’s Prime Minister Erna Solberg, IMF’s Managing Director Christine Lagarde, Chairperson of Mann Desi Mahila Sahkari Bank Chetna Gala Sinha, Chairman of International Trade Union Confederation and CEO of Engie Group Isabelle Kocher. All of these women are renowned professionals in their respective fields.
How Will WEF Counter the Threat of Anti-Globalisation?
As of now, the world seems divided into different factions. This has increased the challenges for WEF. Hence, the theme for WEF 2018 is ‘Creating a Shared Future in a Fractured World.’
Leaders like US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin have been pushing the rhetoric of isolationism, while focusing on strengthening their own interests. Trump’s decision to pull out of Paris Accord, travel ban and his continued threats of war against North Korea will be major concerns that the leader will have to address at the WEF.
Make in India vs America First
When Sanjay Pugalia asked Menaka Doshi whether PM Modi’s ‘Make in India’ will outdo US President Trump’s ‘America First’, Maneka said:
Investors will be attracted towards America due to new tax plan under the Trump administration. But from the point of view of the market, consumers and labour, India’s at an advantage. Hence, the investors can’t afford to ignore both India as well as US.
King Khan to be Present
If you thought WEF is going to be all about world politics, economics and diplomacy, think again. Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan will also be travelling to Davos to attend the meet. ‘King Khan’ will be awarded the Crystal Award. The award recognises the artists who have shown exemplary commitment to improving the state of the world.
Video Editor: Sandeep Suman and Vivek Gupta
This story was originally published on Quint Hindi.
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