5 Facts that Explain Davos
Every week for TIME, I look at the data behind emerging geopolitical trends. Today: The World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. Below, a condensed look at my analysis for TIME.
"Affordable" transportation
This week, an estimated 1,700 private jets landed in airports surrounding Davos. But this year, the cost won’t burn (quite) as badly: The spot price of jet fuel has fallen 50% in the past five months.
Outsized influence...
North America and Europe account for two-thirds (67%) of Davos 2015 attendees, even though these continents are home to less than one-fifth of the global population. That said, Europe and North America still account for some 60% of the world’s GDP.
... Undersized representation
The World Economic Forum is working hard to bring more women to Davos. Last year, 15% of delegates were female. This year, that figure is up to 17%, including the high-profile goodwill ambassador for UN Women, Emma Watson, who spoke today.
On the agenda: Ukraine
Davos has never seen so many Ukrainians attend the conference, but President Petro Poroshenko did not have much time to enjoy the Davos view: He left early to deal with a surge in fighting around Donetsk. Ukraine’s president also says that 9,000 Russian troops have crossed the border.
Off the agenda: China-Japan
At Davos last year, conflict between China and Japan was talk of the town. Leaders on both sides likened the other country to Harry Potter villain “Voldemort.” This year, though only 7% of Japanese and 8% of Chinese hold a favorable view of the other country according to recent polls, Xi and Abe are working to keep tensions in check.
Ian Bremmer is president of Eurasia Group, global research professor at New York University and foreign affairs columnist at TIME. You can follow him on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.
Photo credit: World Economic Forum / Flickr
Oracle Developer at MiWay Insurance Limited
10 年never understood what Davos was about...Rich people coming together to congratulate each other about how rich they are? or are they keeping score? you wanna help poor people go to where poor people are hehehehe
Technical Advisor
10 年Very interested & remarkable figures.
H U M A N & INDUSTRY 5.0 FOUNDER
10 年Dear Ian, your compressed DAVOS view is helpful for many resist to read long picture less texts. Let me add few more words to your summary. - discussing environmental issues the private jets destroy it - 67 Euro-American presence show the worries of other nationalities influence - 2% increase of woman participation, is not accurate. There is much more cleaning ladies than man so as female service persons including waitress and others. - Many speaks about Ukraine, but the fact regular war is just 2.105 km away does not disturb the celebration of power. My question is clear. DO WE NEED DAVOS SUMMIT?
Distinguished Professor of Finance & Chairman, Board of Governors, Indian Institute of Finance;
10 年VERY NICE PRESENTATION. BUT DOES DAVOS - WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM - ALSO PROVIDES AN OPPORTUNITY TO SOME OF THE OVER 2500 DELEGATES TO VISIT THEIR BANKERS TO TAKE STOCK OF THEIR WEALTH AND SECRETLY DISCUSS PLANS ABOUT TAX HEAVENS IN COLLABORATION WITH SOME OF THEIR COUNTERPARTS FROM THE REST OF THE WORLD?