Three key themes on the agenda at Davos 2016
A general view shows the Swiss mountain resort of Davos Image: REUTERS/Arnd Wiegmann
For 46 years, the World Economic Forum has brought together leaders and leading thinkers in Davos, Switzerland, to exchange ideas and seek answers to the fundamental economic questions of the times. In recent years, the focus has been on economic crises, the stability of the financial system, climate change, unemployment and inequality, among other global challenges. Technology has rippled through all these topics, offering both promise and peril.
This year, the technology wave has finally crested. Under the theme of “Mastering the Fourth Industrial Revolution”, leaders from all walks of life will consider a future of disruptive change as assumptions about growth models are overturned, the international balance of power continues to fray, and scientific and technological breakthroughs are poised to transform economies and societies.
Three key themes will shape the 2016 agenda:
1. Mastering the Fourth Industrial Revolution - The Fourth Industrial Revolution is distinct in the speed, scale and force at which it transforms entire systems of production, distribution and consumption. How is technology changing our lives and that of future generations, and reshaping the economic, social, ecological and cultural contexts in which we live?
Follow the below sessions live on webcast:
20 January
The Transformation of Tomorrow
A World without Work?
The Promise of Progress
The State of Artificial Intelligence
21 January
22 January
23 January
2. Addressing Global Security Issues - The humanitarian tragedy of the unfolding refugee crisis and reverberations from terrorist attacks are reminders of how geostrategic competition, renewed regionalism and new antagonists are eroding global solidarity. How can public- and private-sector leaders prepare for a rapidly changing security landscape in which emerging technologies also play a key role?
20 January
21 January
22 January
Violent Extremism: From Global Threat to Local Solution
What If: Your Brain Confesses?
The Global Security Outlook
3. Solving Problems of the Global Commons - Geosecurity tensions exacerbate the challenges of governing at a global level even as the urgency increases to pursue environmental and social sustainability, financial system reform and openness of the internet. How can problems of the global commons, from climate change to the future of the Internet, be tackled through new models of public-private cooperation and the application of breakthrough science and technology solutions?
20 January
21 January
Forum Debate: Fossil Fuel Futures
The 21st-Century Dream
The Future of Education: Lessons in Uncertainty
22 January
You can also follow in-depth debates on what the future holds for regions and the economy:
The Growth Illusion
Emerging Markets Outlook
Global Economic Outlook
Where Is the Chinese Economy Heading?
China's Equity Markets
Disruptive Forces in Financial Services
The Future of Europe
Europe at a Tipping Point
The Future of Economic Reform in the Arab World
Africa’s Next Challenge
Eurasia and the Modern Silk Road
Reuniting Cyprus
Priorities for the United States in 2016
A New Agenda for Latin America
Regions in Transformation: South Asia
A range of top public figures will share first-hand insight on pertinent topics on the international stage:
The Year Ahead: The Economic Outlook for the Eurozone with Mario Draghi
Hoping for Prosperity: Reflections on Flight and Migration to Europe with Joachim Gauck
The Canadian Opportunity with Justin Trudeau
Britain in the World with David Cameron
Special Session with Joe Biden
Special Session with Li Yuanchao
A Conversation with US Secretary of Defense Ash Carter
Special Conversation with Benjamin Netanyahu
Turkey’s Global Role with Ahmet Davutoglu
Next Steps for Iran and the World with Javad Zarif
A Journey of Discovery with Al Roth
An Insight, An Idea with Kevin Spacey
More than 40 Cultural Leaders are joining the Annual Meeting to contribute to shaping the global agenda, providing context and inspiration on topics ranging from migration to sustainable development and freedom of speech, with a special focus on cultural heritage.
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