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GENEVA: The World Economic Forum said its annual gathering at Davos this month will draw a record number of participants and over 300 heads of state and government bigwigs.
The Jan. 21-24 meeting of the rich and powerful at the posh Swiss ski resort comes amid a spate of global crises, including the worst post-Cold War stand-off between Russia and the West and renewed fears of financial turmoil.
More than 2,500 people are expected to turn up, WEF said in a statement.
“In addition to the 1,500 top business leaders from over 140 countries, more than 300 heads of state, heads of government and government members are also expected to participate,” it said.
“In particular, most European countries will be represented by the prime minister, president or chancellor and will be accompanied by strong government delegations.”
WEF refused to provide a list of participants, saying its main announcement would be made on Jan. 14.
“Today’s leaders are facing challenges that are unprecedented in their complexity, velocity and interconnectedness,” said WEF founder and chairman Klaus Schwab.
“Finding a way to navigate these successfully in 2015 is, therefore, a critical priority for every leader, not just to ensure sustainable growth but to rebuild trust.”