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.
Malaysian prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad has presided over a transformation of his country. As Asia’s longest-serving head of government, in power for more than two decades, the prime minister has introduced and implemented a policy framework designed to propel his country into a developed society. He encourages foreign investment, especially in the high-tech arena,…
State failure is the greatest threat to world order, says Sergio Vieira de Mello. Only a global commitment to the rule of law and multilateral governance can counter this growing menace – so as to root out terrorism, bolster security and protect human rights – There are times in human history when change seems to…
Any international intervention in Iraq will require not just the winning of a war, but the building of a peace and the rebuilding of a nation as well. Sadako Ogata, the former UN high commissioner for refugees, looks at the record in Afghanistan to see how military action, humanitarian aims and nation-building can be linked…
The pursuit of freedom, democracy and peace in the Middle East is an objective shared by all and in the interests of all. But, says former UK foreign secretary Douglas Hurd, in the disagreement and misunderstanding about how to achieve these aims lies the potential for even greater conflict. – We are living through a…
What are the qualities that define great leadership? Passion? Optimism? Communication? Conviction? Bravery? Honesty? Luck? One thing’s for sure: we need some leadership now. Rudy Giuliani, the former mayor of New York City, offers his own analysis of what great leadership involves. – We live in a momentous time. The world stands divided between passionate…
Governments around the world have favoured corporations at the expense of their citizens for far too long, says Tony Juniper. They should stop cosying up to them – at Davos or anywhere else – and start putting the interests of society above those of business – The latest blockbuster James Bond movie, “Die Another Day”,…
The scourge of contagious disease is not just a problem for the poorest countries. It is a problem for the world – and one that can only be addressed by true cooperation between the public and private sectors, NGOs, philanthropic organizations, grassroots workers and activists. To assess what is being done and must be done…
Companies must take unilateral action now to address the challenges of global health and development, says Raymond Gilmartin. – Twelve months ago, I had the privilege of serving as a co-chairman of the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in New York City. The meeting took place against the extraordinary backdrop of the tragic events and…
“At the heart of difficulty lies opportunity,” Albert Einstein once noted. This, says EU environment commissioner Margot Wallström, is the attitude we must adopt in combating climate change. Here she outlines the EU’s approach and what it means for people at all levels. – Hardly a week goes by without a disaster that foreshadows climate…
Everyone knows what the anti-globalization movement is against – neo-liberal economics, western government policies, the Washington multilateral institutions and unfettered corporate power. Less clear is what the movement stands for. By Sudip Roy – Nearly 40,000 people descended on the Renaissance Italian city of Florence in mid-November. It had nothing to do with Bellini, Botticelli…
