DAVOS, Switzerland AP β The World Economic Forum is back with its first winter meetup since in the Swiss Alpine town of Davos, where leaders are seeking to bridge political divisions in a polarized world, buttress a hobbling economy and address concerns about a climate change β among many other things.
Sessions will take up issues as diverse as the future of fertilizers, the role of sports in society, the state of the COVID pandemic and much more.
Nearly CEOs and more than 50 heads of state or government are expected, but it's never clear how much concrete action emerges from the elite event. Here's what to watch as the four-day talkfest and related deal-making get underway in earnest Tuesday:. Back in the snows for the first time since the pandemic and just eight months after a springtime session, the event will host notables like European Union Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, U.
Yellen will skip Davos. Russian President Vladimir Putin, of course: Envoys from his country has been shunned because of his war in Ukraine. Outside the main convention center, a themed venue known as Ukraine House is hosting a concert, photo exhibits, seminars, cocktail events and other meetings this week to drum up support for Ukraine's efforts to drive out Russian forces. Inflation soared as the world reopened from the pandemic and Russia invaded Ukraine, driving up food and energy prices, and though it has started to slow in major economies like the U.
Georgieva urged strengthening trade, helping vulnerable countries deal with debt and ramping up climate action. A major climate theme emerging from the forum's panel sessions is the energy transition from fossil fuels to clean energy. Former U. Vice President Al Gore will be talking about decarbonization, efforts to build clean energy infrastructure and ensure an equitable transition.
