Davos is once again the stage of world politics, as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy personally travels to the Swiss Alps to gain support for his country, while the newly inaugurated US President Donald Trump stays at home. Instead, he will address the World Economic Forum (WEF) participants via video – and likely with provocations.
WEF President Børge Brende said: “We expect a historic WEF with a record attendance.”
Trump is likely to spark heated debates with his plans for higher tariffs and his stance on the Ukraine war, which contrasts with Zelenskyy’s urgent appeal to the international community not to abandon Ukraine.
Besides the geopolitical tensions – including the Ukraine war and the escalating situation in the Middle East – issues like “climate protection”, cybercrime, and technological transformation will also take center stage in Davos.
On-site, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte are also expected to speak, likely about Ukraine as well. However, the spotlight is on Zelenskyy and Trump – two individuals who couldn’t be more different. The world is watching Davos once again.