World Economic Forum
Dates & times are correct at time of publishing but are subject to change, please check local sources for latest updates
Dates & times are correct at time of publishing but are subject to change, please check local sources for latest updates
The World Economic Forum (WEF), founded in 1971 by German engineer and economist Klaus Schwab, is a Swiss-based non-governmental organization best known for its annual January meeting in Davos, Switzerland. Originally called the European Management Forum, it rebranded in 1987 to reflect its expanding global scope. The WEF describes itself as an “international organization for public-private cooperation” that engages political leaders, business executives, cultural figures, and select academics to “shape global, regional, and industry agendas.”
The Davos meeting has become the most visible symbol of the WEF. Each year, roughly 2,500–3,000 participants (chief executives of major corporations, heads of state and government, central bankers, billionaire investors, NGO leaders, and journalists) gather in the Alpine resort for five days of panels, speeches, and private discussions.