This year’s World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland, was different from earlier years for several reasons. This was the first time that the WEF founder, Professor Klaus Schwab (87), and his wife, Hilde Schwab (79), did not attend. Professor Schwab had stepped down as chairman in April last year, and his wife also stayed away this year. Yet it is assumed that she still keeps an eye on the arts and culture activities and the sister organisation, the Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship, which she co-founded and still chairs. And I am sure that Professor Schwab certainly follows the main organisation’s work through his modern technological gadgets, and is probably also busy writing yet another book and new articles.

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WEF was founded in 1971, first named the European Management Forum, and from 1987 renamed the World Economic Forum, in an effort to bring together world leaders in politics, business, civil society, media and other key groups, believing that when people get to know each other and discuss ideals and practical issues, the world will become a better place for all. The winter wonderland of Davos in the Swiss Alps forms a unique venue to meet away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life for a week’s time, or shorter for many of the busy leaders. Yet, with as many as three thousand participants, it is not quite a week of relaxation, although in a resort town. This year, the theme was ‘A Spirit of........

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