Davos 2021: World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting Kicks Off Today
Eric House - Jan 25 2021This week, we’re following the World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting, held virtually and in-person, to track the conversations key leaders of the global stage are having around better business, improving society for all, and how mobility plays a key role.
Each year, the World Economic Forum holds its Annual Meeting, or Davos, named after the ski resort in Switzerland where political, business, cultural and other leaders gather to discuss topics that shape global, regional and industry agendas. While many commonly expect the Annual Meeting to feature big deals made between leading global executives, one-third of participants come from groups focused on inequality, the environment, and human rights. It’s a chance for leaders to gather and discuss ways to improve business, society, and the world at large.
As we look to the ways in which society can be improved, from tackling climate change to innovation that harnesses the power of technology for good, global mobility is a key piece to the puzzle. Even as the COVID-19 pandemic put a stop to normal levels of travel and assignments, mobility professionals were still there as strategic players in navigating the workforce’s new normal. No matter where the winds of change blew – mobility professionals and the people they move understood that we are where work is going.
That’s why, this week, we’re following the World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting, held virtually and in-person, to track the conversations key leaders of the global stage are having around better business, improving society for all, and how mobility plays a key role. Consider these themes set out for the Davos Agenda:
- Better Business – Business is frequently at the forefront of technological and social change, and Davos is looking at how businesses can look beyond short-term profits to achieve a sustainable and inclusive future.
- How to Save the Planet – Science proves that climate change is a real and urgent threat to our ecosystems, and us. More than just a buzzword, sustainability is a key initiative that can go a long way in making the entire world better for all to live in.
- Fairer Economies – As society progresses, too many are left behind without economic or social mobility, causing a need for a holistic evaluation of how human progress can be more equitable.
- Tech for Good – With tech innovation accelerating at a rapid pace, critical questions surround the imperative for tech to be harnessed for the greater good.
- Beyond Geopolitics – With many countries comes many heads of state, and an evergreen need for states to work together to solve the world’s pressing problems.
- Society & Future of Work – As mobility professionals know well, the global workforce needs to be ready for changes to the way we work. Davos will explore the cneed for such critical initiatives as reskilling, upskilling, and being prepared for the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
- Healthy Futures – While the COVID-19 pandemic is surely top of mind for many, the past year has shown a remarkable shift in focus towards the overall wellbeing of society. From depression and anxiety to overall healthcare systems, the time to solve these challenges is now.
Throughout the week, we’ll explore these themes, highlighting areas that are critical to our industry and focusing on Davos sessions that can help us learn more. For instance, under the theme of Healthy Futures are sessions occurring today, 25 January, on prioritizing workplace mental health, happiness in the post-COVID world, and vaccines. Employee mental health and wellness is a crucial undertaking for businesses who prioritize the overall health of their workers. In a year where millions were upended by the pandemic, it’s imperative for employers and mobility professionals to understand the toll that the pandemic has taken on mental health and wellness to help workers navigate feelings of fatigue, overwhelm and burnout.
Join us as we continue to explore these themes while following the World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting, hearing from global leaders as they examine critical questions facing businesses and the world.