The World Economic Forum (or WEF, for World Economic Forum), which was scheduled to meet from January 17 to 21, 2022 in Davos, Switzerland, ” is reported “ due to the spread of the Omicron variant, the organizers announced in a communicated published Monday, December 20. This meeting will ultimately be held at ” beginning of summer “ 2022.
The very high transmissibility of the Omicron variant has forced the WEF to review its plans, while a fortnight ago the organization still explained that it was continuing preparations for the January meeting. “The health and safety of everyone involved in face-to-face meetings – participants, collaborators and the host community – have always been the priority of the Forum ”, ensures the press release.
Online dating
However, the WEF decided to organize a series of online sessions entitled “The state of the world”, which must allow “To formulate solutions for the most pressing problems in the world”. The founder and executive chairman of the World Economic Forum, Klaus Schwab, remains optimistic: “Postponement of the annual meeting will not impede progress thanks to the continued digital convening of business, government and civil society leaders”, he said in the statement.
“Public-private cooperation has progressed throughout the pandemic and this will continue at a steady pace. We look forward to bringing together world leaders in person soon ”adds Schwab. The meeting – which brings together business, politics and diplomacy – had already been canceled last year due to the Covid-19 pandemic. A virtual format had been set up.
Increase in health restrictions
Switzerland has sharply increased its health restrictions since Monday, in an attempt not only to stem the fifth wave of Covid but also to limit, if possible, contagions linked to Omicron, which is spreading very quickly in the country.
The Davos Forum was long regarded as the ultimate meeting place between business circles and politicians or civil society. Presidents and heads of government jostled there and mingled with big bosses from all over the planet as well as many stars.