GENEVA — U.S. President Donald Trump is scheduled to participate virtually in the World Economic Forum’s annual assembly in Davos shortly after his inauguration, according to the president of the forum.
Børge Brende, a former Norwegian foreign minister and current head of the Geneva-based organization, mentioned that Trump has previously attended the prestigious gathering of leaders from business, government, and other sectors on two occasions during his first term.
Brende informed reporters on Tuesday that Trump will be engaging in a live online dialogue with participants on Thursday afternoon. He emphasized that this event would be significant, particularly for understanding the new administration’s policy priorities.
While Brende could not confirm whether Elon Musk, the billionaire likely to co-lead Trump’s newly established Department of Government Efficiency, would take part in the meeting, he suggested that there would be “additional high-level representation” from the administration as confirmation processes for Trump’s nominees are anticipated to begin in the U.S. Senate on the same day.
The forum expects around 900 business leaders from vital emerging markets to attend this year’s annual meeting, which will see close to 3,000 participants from over 130 nations.
With several pressing issues such as climate change, geopolitical tensions, and economic uncertainty looming, Brende recognized that the 55th annual forum would unfold in an era marked by complex geopolitical challenges.
He stated, “Even in this fragmented and partly polarized world, there are still opportunities for collaboration, and we hold significant responsibilities to identify and enhance areas where we can make a positive impact.” The theme for this year’s event is “Collaboration for the Intelligent Age,” reflecting the increasing value of technology in today’s society.
The WEF has often faced criticism as an exclusive gathering of global elites, accused of overlooking the concerns of developing nations compared to those of established powers and influential businesses in the West or Gulf states.
In response, forum managing director Mirek Dušek assured that participation from businesses in developing nations has been on the rise, claiming that the involvement of leaders from the Global South is now comparable to those from developed countries.
Ursula Von Der Leyen, president of the executive commission of the European Union, is slated to be present on the opening day of discussions Tuesday, following an introductory gala the previous evening. Other notable attendees include Argentine President Javier Milei, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, and Chinese Vice-Premier Ding Xuexiang.
The meeting will cover a diverse range of topics such as the future of Syria—especially following the recent changes in leadership after President Bashar Assad’s fall—efforts to combat climate change, the challenges and opportunities presented by artificial intelligence, global trade dynamics, and ongoing conflicts in regions like Ukraine and Sudan.
Brende expressed readiness to tackle the many challenges ahead, stating, “We are prepared to roll up our sleeves to derive the best outcomes from a situation filled with numerous difficulties.”
