The World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting has proved its power time after time in setting the global agenda, identifying emerging issues and challenges, and engaging leaders from all walks of life in dialogue, initiative and action. In the same way, Global Agenda seeks to lead opinion and debate on all the key issues facing the world. It aims to be thought-provoking and controversial, but balanced and fair. And it tries to make room for voices from all sides of society. We live in deeply unsettled, challenging times. Many of the certainties on which we have come to depend in recent years are in doubt. In place of trust lie scepticism, suspicion and fear. It is more vital than ever that all sides of the debate are heard – from the worlds of business, civil society and government. Like the World Economic Forum itself, Global Agenda aims to be a forum for discussing issues, testing ideas and initiating change.
“There can be no development without the sustainable management of our resources in an environment that is democratic, respects human rights and is committed to the welfare of citizens. A country that endeavours to follow this path can hope for peace. More than simply protecting the existing environment, the Green Belt Movement’s strategy secures and…
Is the world really a more dangerous place than it once was? Or do we just think it is? What factors influence the way in which we perceive risk and how do they affect our decision-making? What are the implications for those charged with protecting us? David Ropeik and Paul Slovic offer some insights into…
Obtaining and sustaining business can be difficult in Arab markets. Mark Ford spoke to a range of information and communications technology companies about their strategies for creating positions in the region’s “new economy” spoke to a range of information and communications technology companies about their strategies for creating positions in the region’s “new economy” –…
Technology has the potential to transform the Arab world. In some places it is already doing so. In others, its use has barely started. Throughout, it will bring huge changes over the next few years – in the way that people live and in the lives they can expect to lead in the future. By…
Nanoscience, the science of tiny things, is leading to some extraordinary developments and applications. Many people believe that nanotechnology is the next big thing. But its business application is only just beginning. Mildred Dresselhaus explains what it is and where it is heading – Nanotechnology deals with objects on the nanometre size scale, typically more…
Sequencing the human genome is not an end in itself, says Francis Collins. It is just the start of a revolution in genomics and genetics that will change the face of medicine in the 21st century – For nearly 100 years the medical community has been aware of heredity’s powerful role in human health and…
Now that the technology bubble has burst, what does the future hold for the financing of technological innovation? What will investors look for now? Which types of technology will benefit? And which will suffer? Geoffrey Moore, a Silicon Valley-based technology entrepreneur and investor, offers some insights. – During the late 1990s it seemed as if…
For computing to achieve its full potential – and to enrich the daily lives of people and businesses everywhere – it must first be made as secure and reliable as it can be, says Bill Gates. – Not so long ago, most people paid little attention to cybercrime. Malicious hackers, hi-tech bank robbers and identity…
The implementation and survival of democracy in Latin America – often against heavy odds – has been the region’s biggest success over the past 20 years. But it is under severe pressure. More reform is necessary if the system’s frailties are to be overcome. By Sudip Roy – The Irish playwright and wit, Oscar Wilde,…
Relations between the US and Europe have become strained in the past year on issues ranging from the Middle East to trade protectionism, defence policies to diplomacy, terrorism to international treaties. But for all the differences – real and imagined – there is still more that unites than divides the two continents. By Charles Grant…
