Founder's statement on Israel and Gaza

The escalation of the conflict in the Middle East is a matter of great concern. The World Economic Forum fully supports all efforts to promote stability throughout the region.

We strongly condemn Hamas' terrorist attacks against Israel and emphasize the need to release hostages, and stress the importance of protecting the civilian population in Gaza and taking care of the most vulnerable.

All of these developments are horrifying and could have far-reaching consequences for the Middle East in the years to come. It is our collective responsibility to focus on preventing a wider regional war, ensuring that civilians receive the support they need to survive, and ultimately achieving an agreement that brings security and peace in the region, allowing everyone to live with dignity.

Working towards this objective is not solely the responsibility of key political actors. It is a call to all stakeholders of global society who are committed to striving for a world that focuses on constructive efforts to build a solid political, economic, and societal foundation for peaceful coexistence.