The article discusses the World Economic Forum (WEF) and its annual gathering in Davos, Switzerland. The WEF was founded by Klaus Schwab in 1971 as a platform for business leaders to discuss global issues and shape the diplomatic year ahead.
The article mentions that this year's gathering is taking place against "the most complicated geopolitical backdrop since the WEF was founded". It notes that the WEF has been criticized for its lack of accountability and legitimacy, and that some former Young Global Leaders have spoken out about their disillusionment with the organization.
One former Young Global Leader, Danny Sriskandarajah, is quoted as saying that "my view is, it was ahead of its time, but now it's a relic of the past". Another former delegate, Jamie Drummond, notes that discussions in Davos helped to shape the diplomatic year ahead in the late 1990s and early 2000s, but argues that such optimism has long evaporated.
The article also mentions that this year's gathering will be led by Børge Brende, who is the WEF president. However, he is not expected to make any major announcements or speak publicly about the organization's future direction.
Overall, the article suggests that the WEF is facing a period of decline and uncertainty, but that some former leaders and attendees are still holding out hope that it can be reformed and redeemed.
In terms of key quotes and statistics, the article mentions:
* Danny Sriskandarajah: "It's such a contradiction, in my view. A world where the WEF would contribute is a rules-based world, where there's predictability, where business works with governments – business to achieve their profits but governments to meet the needs of their people. But him, he represents might is right."
* Jamie Drummond: "This is not Davos's heyday, it is on the decline – but it's not dead yet"
* Børge Brende: no major quotes or statements are attributed to him in the article.
The article does not mention any specific statistics or data about the WEF or its attendees. However, it does note that analysis commissioned by environmental charity Greenpeace found that the number of private jet flights associated with Davos more than tripled between the 2023 and 2025 meetings.
The article mentions that this year's gathering is taking place against "the most complicated geopolitical backdrop since the WEF was founded". It notes that the WEF has been criticized for its lack of accountability and legitimacy, and that some former Young Global Leaders have spoken out about their disillusionment with the organization.
One former Young Global Leader, Danny Sriskandarajah, is quoted as saying that "my view is, it was ahead of its time, but now it's a relic of the past". Another former delegate, Jamie Drummond, notes that discussions in Davos helped to shape the diplomatic year ahead in the late 1990s and early 2000s, but argues that such optimism has long evaporated.
The article also mentions that this year's gathering will be led by Børge Brende, who is the WEF president. However, he is not expected to make any major announcements or speak publicly about the organization's future direction.
Overall, the article suggests that the WEF is facing a period of decline and uncertainty, but that some former leaders and attendees are still holding out hope that it can be reformed and redeemed.
In terms of key quotes and statistics, the article mentions:
* Danny Sriskandarajah: "It's such a contradiction, in my view. A world where the WEF would contribute is a rules-based world, where there's predictability, where business works with governments – business to achieve their profits but governments to meet the needs of their people. But him, he represents might is right."
* Jamie Drummond: "This is not Davos's heyday, it is on the decline – but it's not dead yet"
* Børge Brende: no major quotes or statements are attributed to him in the article.
The article does not mention any specific statistics or data about the WEF or its attendees. However, it does note that analysis commissioned by environmental charity Greenpeace found that the number of private jet flights associated with Davos more than tripled between the 2023 and 2025 meetings.
, right? It's got some amazing stuff going on under it too - they've had some incredible conversations and brought together some of the most influential people in the world to tackle global issues. But at the same time, I get why some people might feel disillusioned with it. The fact that it hasn't always been held accountable for its actions can be really frustrating 
.
. I mean, we've gotta acknowledge that Davos has had some major ups and downs over the years. And yeah, the private jet thing is wild 
- like, come on guys! We need to do better than that.
, even if he's not making any major announcements. That in itself is kinda hopeful? Maybe this year's gathering can be a chance for some real soul-searching and a fresh start 
. We just gotta keep having those tough conversations and pushing each other to do better 
.
. The WEF was always about bringing together big shots to talk shop on global issues, but now it feels like they're just trying to cling to the past. Like, Danny Sriskandarajah said something about being "ahead of its time" – I think that's code for "we were cool once, but now we're just old news". And don't even get me started on the private jet thing 
️. And Børge Brende's not even giving any big speeches or anything 
. It's like they're trying to make a low-key exit without anyone noticing.
. Maybe this is their chance to rebrand and actually do something meaningful. But until then, it's just gonna be another year of Davos being Davos – fancy schmancy gatherings that don't really amount to anything 
.
... I mean, think about it, they were created with good intentions back in 1971, but over time, things got messy and power dynamics shifted 
. now we're seeing some of its old guard saying it's a relic of the past, but what if that's exactly what we need to do - move forward 
... and honestly, I think this is a great opportunity for us to re-examine our values and priorities 
.
. More than tripled in 2 years?! That's just insane. It's like, yeah, sure, Davos is all about business and profits, but can't we try to be a little more... sustainable? 
. I get that business leaders are busy, but can't we find a way to make travel more sustainable? It feels like the WEF is stuck in its ways, unwilling to adapt or listen to criticism. Maybe it's time for some fresh blood at the helm? 