Davos 2024: Elaborate discussion on key agendas lined up for 54th WEF meet

The agenda for this year's assembly tackles significant global challenges, with particular attention given to issues such as the pervasive influence of disinformation worldwide.

The 54th annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) is scheduled to occur from January 15 to 19, 2024 at the local Swiss Alpine School in the center of Davos.

The conference, centered around the theme of 'Rebuilding Trust,' will emphasise core trust-building principles such as transparency, consistency, and accountability. It aims to bring together over 100 governments, major international organizations, more than 1000 global companies, civil society, academia, and global media.

Davos 2024 will focus on a "back to basics" approach, fostering open and constructive dialogue among government, business, and civil society leaders. The objective is to navigate the complexities of the current environment, offering insight through the latest advancements in science, industry, and society.

The four key focus areas at Davos 2024 are as follows:

Achieving security and cooperation amid rising geopolitical tensions

Find an approach to effectively address security crises, such as the ongoing situation in the Middle East, while simultaneously addressing the underlying forces of fragmentation. Laying out strategies that can be employed to identify crucial areas for cooperation, ensuring a mutually beneficial outcome for all stakeholders.

Creating growth and jobs for a new era

Discuss how government, business, and civil society can collaborate on a new economic framework to prevent a decade of low growth and prioritise the well-being of individuals. Also, finding a way to minimise trade-offs and maximise synergies, when traditional measures seem inadequate.

Artificial Intelligence as a driving force for the economy and society

Finding ways to harness AI  for the benefit of all and discussing how it can interact with other transformative technologies, including 5/6G, quantum computing, and biotechnology.

A long-term strategy for climate, nature, and energy

Discussing an approach to develop a comprehensive, long-term approach to achieve carbon neutrality and promote a nature-positive world by 2050.
Aim to develop strategies that can be implemented to ensure affordable, secure, and inclusive access to energy, food, and water.

India at Davos

More than 60 global leaders are scheduled to gather in Davos, Switzerland, for the five-day annual meeting. The agenda for this year's assembly tackles significant global challenges, with particular attention given to issues such as the pervasive influence of disinformation worldwide.

The 2024 WEF theme, "Building Trust," reflects India's steadfast dedication to global collaboration and advancement.

In an exclusive interview with CNBC-TV18, Smriti Irani, Minister for Women & Child Development, highlighted that Davos 2024 is placing a strong emphasis on technology, aiming to present India as a prominent global center for innovation and collaboration.

Attendees this year

A diverse array of leaders and finance ministers are set to attend this year, hailing from Spain, Belgium, Colombia, Iraq, Lebanon, Ireland, Kenya, Nigeria, Thailand, Singapore, and beyond.

Among the US attendees are Secretary of State Antony Blinken, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, and Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry, according to a CNBC report.

Sullivan is expected to partake in the upcoming meeting of the "National Security Advisers on Ukraine," with a press conference scheduled for January 14, states the report. The conference will cover Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's 10-point peace plan.

Prominent figures from the business world, including Sam Altman, the reinstated CEO of OpenAI, are poised to address topics such as safety and trust in technology. Altman will be joined by panelists including UK Finance Minister Jeremy Hunt and Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla, it has been further learnt from the report.

Key players in the global economy, such as International Monetary Fund Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva, World Bank President Ajay S. Banga, and World Trade Organization Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, are also expected to make appearances.

Leaders from international bodies and civil society groups, including the UN's António Guterres, NATO's Jens Stoltenberg, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus of the World Health Organization, and Tirana Hassan of Human Rights Watch, will be actively participating in the event.