London – Under the theme of “Responsive and Responsible Leadership,” the 47th annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) is to kick off on Tuesday and will continue until 20 January.

Davos Forum is expected to shed light on changes witnessed by world economy during past months and years.

In this regard, Yann Zopf, a spokesman for the non-profit organization told Asharq Al-Awsat that the forum will receive 3,000 economic, political and global officials this year, including 250 media figures.

Chinese leader Xi Jinping will be the first Chinese president to attend the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.

He will use the opportunity to tell thousands of political and business leaders about China’s view of itself and the world in general.

In an opening address to the conference in the exclusive ski resort, Xi will defend globalization.

Xi will warn other world leaders, business executives and celebrities that the rise of populism could lead to “war, poverty, confrontation and domination” as he takes on the mantle of defending globalization.

His entourage includes some of the country’s most powerful businessmen and it is the largest since 1979 when Beijing started participating in the event.

At a briefing in Beijing on the Davos visit, Vice Foreign Minister Li Baodong said China would respond to the international community’s concern over globalization by putting forward Beijing’s opinions on how to “steer economic globalization toward greater inclusiveness.”

The forum coincides with the official inauguration of U.S. new President Donald Trump in 20 January.