Davos, Switzerland — The World Economic Forum’s annual meeting commenced on Tuesday, and U.S. President Donald Trump certainly dominated the discussions on his inaugural day back in office.
Trump’s assertive declarations regarding increased U.S. drilling efforts caught the attention of energy industry leaders, while foreign officials attempted to interpret his assertions about enhancing U.S. territorial claims. Additionally, the announcement of his planned “External Revenue Service” for tariffs and duties left many business executives concerned about the implications for international commerce at the high-profile forum.
Throughout various speeches, discussions, and private conversations in the picturesque Swiss Alpine town, Trump’s recent executive orders and bold rhetoric inspired considerable chatter among attendees.
One predominant theme emerging from Davos was the European response to Trump’s climate policies.
European leaders quickly pivoted to emphasize the urgent battle against climate change, especially following Trump’s reinstatement of the U.S.’s withdrawal from the Paris climate agreement. Ursula von der Leyen, the chief of the European Union, declared the 2015 accord as “the best hope for all humanity” and asserted that “Europe will stay the course in collaboration with all nations committed to protecting the environment.”
This agreement aims to limit global warming, striving to maintain temperature increases to a maximum of 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit) above pre-industrial levels. Before von der Leyen’s address, climate activists displayed a banner in the Davos Congress Center proclaiming, “Tax the super-rich! Fund a just and green future.” Despite Washington’s retreat on climate action, the global community, including the private sector and leading nations like China, continues to advance efforts on climate initiatives.
United Nations climate chief Simon Stiell acknowledged the unwavering energy transition globally and stated that the opportunity remains for the U.S. to eventually rejoin the Paris accord should it choose to do so in the future.
Amid the discussions, issues concerning democracy and human rights took center stage, reflecting ongoing political tensions in Europe and the U.S., where democratic ideals are facing challenges.
Europe is grappling with political discord, with countries such as France and Germany exhibiting fractures within their democratic structures. New leaders, such as Giorgia Meloni from Italy, have emerged as more supportive of Trump’s viewpoints. Alain Berset, a former president of Switzerland and current head of the Council of Europe, remarked on Trump’s rhetoric, noting that while he arrived at power through democratic processes, there must be continual vigilance to protect those democratic principles.
Berset highlighted a worrying trend of democratic backsliding that is manifesting globally, even in the most established democracies. Meanwhile, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz was expected to address the gathering, particularly regarding his criticism of Elon Musk’s ties to European far-right movements. Scholz’s standing in Germany remains precarious, with his Social Democrats lagging in polls behind conservative Friedrich Merz, who is poised to become a major player in the upcoming elections.
In a notable omission, Trump did not discuss the ongoing conflict in Ukraine during his address. Instead, he focused on his aspirations of being seen as a peacemaker. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is set to speak at Davos, amidst the backdrop of Ukraine and Russia both seeking advantages ahead of potential peace negotiations.
Additionally, discussions about the ceasefire in Gaza are anticipated, featuring Israel’s President Isaac Herzog and Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani. U.S. business leaders representing major corporations such as Coca-Cola, Bank of America, and the Boston Consulting Group will also provide insights into the economic landscape of the U.S. amid Trump’s ongoing presidency.
