Middle-east Arab News Opinion | Asharq Al-awsat

Davos Forum Kicks Off with Cautious Optimism | ASHARQ AL-AWSAT English Archive 2005 -2017
Select Page
Media ID: 55365699
Caption:

A photo shows the Congress Centre on the eve of the opening day of the World Economic Forum, on January 16, 2017 in Davos.
Inequality will be among the issues topping the agenda as the world’s political and business elite meet in Davos from January 17 to 20, when 3,000 people will gather for the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum. / AFP PHOTO / FABRICE COFFRINI


Davos – The World Economic Forum kicks off today Tuesday in Davos, with the absence of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, whose cynical policies have raised concerns among European and world politicians.

For his part, Chinese President Xi Jinping will defend globalization in a speech that is expected to highlight Beijing’s growing global role.

Xi’s appearance will be a first for a Chinese leader at the annual meeting of political leaders, CEOs and bankers in Davos.

Analysts believe that an atmosphere of “cautious optimism” is prevailing over this year’s edition of the Davos Forum. They noted that while the end of 2016 has seen a revival of the global stock and merchandise markets, Europe was still pre-occupied with its own problems, including Brexit and militant attacks, in addition to the string of elections this year.

Meanwhile, a new report from the Business & Sustainable Development Commission said that adopting sustainable development models could help businesses create up to 380 million jobs and unlock $12 trillion in economic opportunities by 2030.

Mark Malloch-Brown, chair of the Business & Sustainable Development Commission told Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper that the main goal of the report was to convince private sector businesses and companies that sustainable development represented an investment opportunity, whether it focused on infrastructure, public transport or renewable energy production.

The report focused on 17 Sustainable Development Goals, described by the United Nations as a “universal call” to put an end to poverty, protect the planet and create an environment where people enjoy both peace and prosperity.

According to the report, these goals offer the private sector a growth strategy that has the potential to both open up market opportunities and create a “sustainable and inclusive planet”.