contents
They were the stars here in Davos: the 2 meter giants Wladimir and Vitali Klitschko. They entered the WEF area all alone and mingled with the people. The Ukrainians both have a boxing career behind them – of course they didn’t need an escort here in Switzerland. Who should mess with them?
In their own country it is different. There they would have to fear for their lives. And so the participants at the WEF were automatically reminded of the war suffering of the Ukrainian population whenever they encountered the freely moving Klitschko brothers.
The forgotten problem: Corona
The Russian war of aggression and Western sanctions have also thrown the global economic system out of joint. The currently high commodity prices are causing problems for Swiss companies and private households alike. And as if that wasn’t enough, the supply chain problems in China as a result of corona lockdowns are still unresolved. Add to that inflation, and no one knows how long it will last.
And so this year, in view of the unresolved trouble spots, one did not really want to get upset about the horrendous prices in the Davos restaurants and hotels during the WEF period. They are of a temporary nature and will be a thing of the past once the WEF guests have left.
Subdued mood
The early summer temperatures obviously made the participants in Davos happy – instead of down coats as usual, for once an airy, light outfit did the trick. And in the numerous small talks, the weather was the top priority. But here, too, the euphoria was quickly curbed in the course of the conversation.
As is well known, the reason for the extraordinary time of the event is the corona pandemic. And even if this crisis has faded into the background in many minds: Corona and in particular the Chinese way of dealing with the pandemic continue to have a firm grip on the economy – a change in Chinese strategy is not yet foreseeable.
Hardly any dialogue
Chinese representatives mostly stayed away from the WEF, the Russians were not wanted. Instead of talking to them, they are talked about a lot here, which runs counter to the WEF credo of «dialogue». This may be understandable, but at the same time counterproductive.
Even if the WEF 2022 did not bring any major agreements or solutions. At least one thing the forum achieved: this year’s edition got under your skin and made you think. And that didn’t require the numerous – sometimes emotional – presentations and panel discussions. Small talk, a visit to a restaurant or even an encounter with the Klitschko brothers was enough.