WEF Conference Opens in Davos

Government and business leaders, plus some environmental activists and more than a few protesters are set to converge on Davos, the exclusive Swiss ski resort, for the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum.

While Swiss police are trying to control the protesters, who have become a standard feature at international economic conferences, the delegates will hear an impressive lineup of world business, governmental and non- governmental leaders, including Microsoft Chairman, Bill Gates, UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, and the rock star Bono (speaking on his campaign to cancel third world debts).

In addition to presentations on the world economic outlook, the information revolution and the promises of biotechnology, those attending can also learn about ethical issues as they affect business’ and government’s role in society and the resources of “human potential.”

The organizers have taken pains to address at least some of the protesters concerns about environmental issues and globalization, but a large part of the conference will be occupied with economic issues, the problems of developing countries and the status of world trade.