Klaus Schwab, executive chairman of the World Economic Forum (WEF), addresses the World Economic … [+]
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The 55th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum opened this week with a powerful message and all-encompassing themes.
Klaus Schwab, World Economic Forum Founder and Chairman of the Board of Trustees, global leaders, leaving no doubt about his message: the undeniable need for, in Schwab’s words, Collaboration for the Intelligent Age.
“This transition from the Industrial to the Intelligent Age is occurring at an exponential pace, carrying unprecedented risks for humanity as we strive to prepare and adapt for its complexities,” he said. “Yet, it also offers significant opportunities to transcend our current challenges and spark a new renaissance – one defined by advancements in knowledge, health, culture and societal welfare.”
This is no news – see my Forbes,com article – AI On The Loose — from 1/21/25 – but it is indubitably validated by the authority of Schwab.
Constructive Optimism
Elevating it to new heights, Schwab called on the global community to rise to the moment with “constructive optimism”, urging stakeholders from all sectors – government, business, civil society and academia – to unite in developing solutions to “shared” challenges. [NOTE: See how the previous sentences changes if the word “shared” does not appear.]
“By embracing constructive optimism and believing in our collective capacity and commitment to improving the state of the world, we can, shape the Intelligent Age as an age where every human being can realize their full potential.”
Schwab’s remarks, as well as the overall direction of this year’s meetings, stressed unity, collaboration, cooperation, and partnership. But it all didn’t sit quite well with President Donald Trump who, when he was introduced to an audience of 700 global leaders, led off with humor that had the room in laughter but soon turned the room dead silent as he put forward his recurring “America First” theme and then went on to bash the European Union. He didn’t seen to be bothered by the sentiment that had him outnumbered 699-1.
“If you didn’t know President Donald Trump had taken the oath of office three days before,” said Business Insider’s Spriha Srivastava, “you might have thought his speech at Davos’ Congress Hall was a campaign event.” If anything speaks to the Trump persona, that’s it.
Meanwhile, moving forward with or without President Trump’s concession, other mighty themes emerged: digital trust, unlocking green growth, and why protectionism hurts the global economy led the way.