Absence of the US
by Rony Abovitz
ForumBlog.org, 01/27/2005

The writer laments the absence of major US leaders in this year's World Economic Forum. As the world's sole superpower, the US must be engaged in world affairs. While the rest of the world needs the US, the US also needs the rest of the world.

The US is Here
by Samantha Tonkin
ForumBlog.org, 01/27/2005

The writer, Web Editor for the World Economic Forum, responds to the blog "Absence of the US" in which the US is criticized for its poor representation at the World Economic Forum. Tonkin notes the US is actually well represented, including the presence of a number of senators. While no one from Bush's inner team is present, she suggests this is because the new administration is not yet confirmed and the State of the Union address falls after the Annual Meeting in early February.

Samantha Tonkin is the Web Editor for the World Economic Forum.

Update 2005: China
by World Economic Forum
ForumBlog.org, 01/27/2005

China's leaders get high marks for deft use of macroeconomic tools to cool growth in the last year, and for maintaining the general fiscal health of the economy despite the non-performing loan problem that plagues the banking sector. But a currency revaluation is not in the offing in the near term--at least so long as speculation continues--and any likely change in China's currency regime will see an end to the yuan's peg to the ailing dollar in favour of a link to a more diversified basket of currencies rather than a simple revaluation.

Blair Outlines G8 Vision for Poverty and Climate Change
by World Economic Forum
World Economic Forum, 01/27/2005

British Prime Minister Tony Blair outlined his commitment to the double challenge of poverty in Africa and climate change as president of the upcoming G8 summit. While the challenge of Africa is universally acknowledged, he said, there is still some debate on the "evidence of danger" of climate change.

Chirac Melting the Snow in Davos
by Joana Calmon
ForumBlog.org, 01/27/2005

The author explores a number of propositions made by Jacques Chirac, the French president, in a videoconference at Davos, including his tax on international financial transactions to fight AIDS. Chirac also suggested that countries maintaining bank secrecy should establish a levy on flows of foreign capital in and out of their territory, and a tax should be levied on the fuel used by air and sea transportation, as this contributes to the greenhouse effect and the pollution of the planet. The writer notes these ideas have the support of a number of countries but still need the support of corporations to implement them.

Global Town Hall Sees Leaders Rolling Up Their Sleeves
by World Economic Forum
World Economic Forum, 01/27/2005

On the opening day of the Annual Meeting, world leaders are focusing on the toughest challenges facing the world. In a major innovation, they are working together around the Annual Meeting's theme, in an interactive session called the Global Town Hall. The Town Hall draws on the concept of engagement first launched by the Swiss in the 15th century. Participants prioritized the six "tough issues" that should be at the top of the global agenda in 2005: poverty, equitable globalization, climate change, education, Middle East and global governance. They will delve deeper and develop action agendas around these issues.

Chirac Proposes Voluntary Tax to Fight Poverty
by World Economic Forum
World Economic Forum, 01/27/2005

President of France Jacques Chirac said that the participation of the corporate sector was "crucial" in order to battle poverty. He proposed a voluntary tax as part of a call for more financial resources to be allocated to common challenges, and singled out the battle against AIDS.

Town Hall--Initial Outcomes
by Rebecca MacKinnon
ForumBlog.org, 01/27/2005

The writer comments on the recent Town Hall meeting at the World Economic Forum. She lists what the participants agreed are the most important problems facing the world today, including poverty, climate change, and education. She also remarks on the reported low confidence levels among the participants polled that "today's world leaders will take responsibility for making the tough choices on these issues."

Taking Responsibility
by Sapna Bhatia
ForumBlog.org, 01/26/2005

The stage is set for the movers and shakers of the world to rub shoulders at the World Economic Forum's Annual Meeting in Davos. Reflections on the past and actions for the future will all meet under the aegis of one great thought: "taking responsibility for tough choices". Responsibility is a tough word to deal with. When I say this I think of Mikhail Khodorkovsky whose eyes staring out of the prison remain a haunting picture for the world of business, I think of a friend who was harrassed at US airport in the name of security and I also think of my friends living in India and doing business. They often tell me that they keep some amount of their profits aside to put in the pockets of corrupt officials. These are examples from the developed and the developing world. Are we creating more barriers for growth? Are we forced to live with fear? Who takes responsibility?

Is the World Failing Itself?
by Debbie Pargaetzi
ForumBlog.org, 01/26/2005

Five years ago, 189 countries and their leaders made solemn promises to solve global problems such as poverty and hunger, human rights and environmental protection. But the release of the second Annual Report by the Forum's Global Governance Initiative makes shockingly clear, that the leaders are breaking their promises. The world remains far off track to achieve its most important goals. Although the responsibility of achieving global goals rests primarily with governments, the report argues that the goals cannot be reached without the active participation of the private sector. Now we all wonder; will they--leaders of states and business--be ready to make a difference? Is the year 2005 going to be the year of change? Or has our society become so self-absorbed that we don't care about the greater good anymore?