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World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2014

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World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2014

The Reshaping of the World: Consequences for Society, Politics and Business

World Economic Forum,

15 min read
10 take-aways
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What's inside?

The World Economic Forum’s Davos conference highlights global challenges amid rapid change and innovation.

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Editorial Rating

8

Qualities

  • Scientific
  • Overview
  • Background

Recommendation

The World Economic Forum’s report of its 44th annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland, focuses on the challenges of a fast-changing world. Topping the list of risks is the threat of another financial meltdown, while other immediate problems include income distribution inequities, unemployment and corruption. Moderate successes include progress in improving water supplies, raising supply chain responsibility levels and making the most of sustainable “circular economies.” You might expect to find more concrete, actionable steps, but the diagnoses are clear beneath the diplomatic politesse and jarring optimism. getAbstract recommends this report to business executives, investors, activists and those seeking insight into what the international economic community is thinking. Meeting the threats on the economic horizon requires more than this elegant fortress of hope can achieve, but engaging the power base is a good start.

Summary

Bellwether

The World Economic Forum’s (WEF) annual meeting continues to be the bellwether for future international agendas. Held in Davos-Klosters, Switzerland, in January 2014, the 44th meeting drew more than 2,500 principals representing more than 100 nations. The conference’s 250 sessions focused on “achieving inclusive growth, embracing disruptive innovation, meeting society’s new expectations” and “sustaining a world of nine billion.” Discussions challenged long-held views in an effort to break through to imaginative ideas and to spark the spirit of increased cooperation.

Optimism About the Middle East

Despite conflict and instability across the Middle East, participants displayed overall guarded optimism. Iranian president Hassan Rouhani expressed hopes of seeing Iran rise to the top-ten tier of worldwide economies, and of normalizing his nation’s regional and international relationships. US Secretary of State John Kerry applauded recent diplomatic gains with Iran, but lamented the Syrian civil war and its related human tragedy. The US plans to continue “forceful diplomacy” in the region and to work for permanent Palestinian-Israeli peace, which Kerry...

About the Author

The World Economic Forum is an international institution that is devoted to improving the world through public-private cooperation.


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