World Economic Forum Statement Regarding Inaccurate Wall Street Journal Article

A recent article in The Wall Street Journal about the World Economic Forum contains significant inaccuracies and unsubstantiated speculation.

Our values are reflected in our work and workplace culture, where our diverse teams from over 90 countries are fundamental to our success. We are an organization that upholds the highest standards of governance, while working to address the most pressing challenges of our time with our high-performance teams, our diverse and global outlook, and an environment that values innovation, inclusion, and well-being.

The high standards we set for ourselves are supported by a framework that includes clear principles, a zero-tolerance policy towards any form of harassment and discrimination, mandatory training for all staff, confidential reporting channels, and a thorough investigation process. We continually evolve our policies and processes in line with global best practices.

Among the 3,500 people who have worked with us over the last 50 years, the Journal contacted a very small fraction of our staff and alumni. Most of these individuals either declined to engage or refuted the claims.

When the Journal finally approached us, we provided extensive factual information to try to correct their reporting and ensure that it was accurate and truthful. These facts are not reflected. It is deeply disappointing that The Wall Street Journal is knowingly publishing demonstrably false assertions to mischaracterize our organization, culture and colleagues, including our founder. The Journal also inexplicably did not include the Forum’s on the record statements, which are included for reference below.

We will protect our organization's reputation and we will take action against any attempts that seek to harm the Forum and its people.

We remain deeply committed to our mission to improve the state of the world, working together with our partners and constituents around the world.

If you have questions, please contact: public.affairs@weforum.org

World Economic Forum’s Statement to the Journal

“It is appalling that the Journal is knowingly publishing such demonstrably false assertions to mischaracterize our organization, culture and colleagues, including our founder.” – Yann Zopf, World Economic Forum.

Legal Counsel’s Statement to the Journal

“The Journal’s steady decline is on full display here. It’s easy to defame and disparage when reporters have personal agendas and ask their sources to share rumours under the cloak of anonymity with no accountability. We have a clear defamation case here.” – Tom Clare, Clare Locke.