World Economic Forum's Davos Agenda to focus on rebuilding economy after Covid-19

Heads of state, business and civic society will discuss action on battling climate change, unemployment and poverty

 US President Donald Trump addresses a plenary session during the 50th annual meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos earlier this year. EPA/GIAN EHRENZELLER

Leaders from governments, business and civil society will take part in the World Economic Forum’s online summit in January that will focus on the rebuilding the global economy in the wake of Covid-19.

Named 'Davos Agenda', the five-day event from January 25-29 takes place at the same time as the annual event that WEF usually holds in the Swiss ski resort.

“2021 is a crucial year to rebuild trust,” said Professor Klaus Schwab, founder and executive chairman of the World Economic Forum. “The world is at a crossroads. The pandemic has reversed important gains in the global fight against unemployment, climate change and poverty. Leaders must come together for decisive and inclusive action.”

The Davos Agenda will also mark the launch of the World Economic Forum’s Great Reset Initiative and begin preparation for the Special Annual Meeting now being held in the spring, organisers said.

“It is essential for leaders from all walks of life to work together virtually for a more inclusive, cohesive and sustainable future as soon as possible in 2021,” the forum said in a statement. “An entire week of global programming will be dedicated to helping leaders choose innovative and bold solutions to stem the pandemic and drive a robust recovery over the next year.”

Building a better future for work, accelerating stakeholder capitalism and harnessing the technologies of the Fourth Industrial Revolution will be important topics on the Davos Agenda.

Industry leaders and public figures will also discuss how to advance and accelerate public-private collaboration on critical issues such as Covid-19 vaccination, job creation and climate change, among others.

US President Donald Trump and other world leaders spoke during the World Economic Forum’s annual meeting in Davos in January this year.