Davos 2015: Who's doing what at the World Economic Summit

John Key will join more than 40 other heads of state and government at this week’s at the 45th World Economic Forum from January 21-24 at Davos-Klosters, Switzerland.

It will also be attended by 2500 delegates from business, non-government organisations and social groups.

Among world leaders will be French President  François Hollande, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, US Secretary of State John Kenny and South African President Jacob Zuma.

Countries also represented by their leaders include Egypt, Iraq, Italy, Jordan, Pakistan, Switzerland, Turkey and Tunisia.

The topic for this year is the “global context,” which consists of 10 issues: environment and resource scarcity; employment skills and human capital; gender parity; long-term investing, infrastructure and development; food security and agriculture; international trade and investment; future of the internet; global crime and anti-corruption; social inclusion; and future of financial systems.

Current affairs, such as the escalating geopolitical conflicts, pandemics, diverging growth and the new energy context, are on the agenda as well.

The full programme comprises some 280 sessions, of which a 100-odd sessions will be live webcast. The themes include:

Crisis and cooperation

• Resolving geopolitical crises: Conflicts continue to destabilise Ukraine, the Middle East and other parts of the world. What can the international community do to help bring about a lasting peace? Registered participants include President Sisi (Egypt), King Abdullah (Jordan), Prime Minister Haïdar Al Abadi, (Iraq), Kurdistan President Masoud Barzani and Ukraine President Petro Poroshenko.
• Repercussions of climate change: As the world prepares for another round of post-Kyoto climate negotiations, what are the chances for success at the climate meeting in Paris? And how can the private sector contribute?

• Pandemics and health: As the outbreak of Ebola has shown, combating the spread of viruses is still a worldwide priority. At the same time, non-communicable diseases such as diabetes are becoming the world’s biggest silent killer. What can the world do to ensure global health going forward? 
Registered participants include Kofi Annan, former UN Secretary-General (1997-2006); World Health Organisation Director-General Margaret Chan; Guinean President Alpha Condé; Mail President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita; and Peter Piot, director, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.

Growth and stability

• Diverging growth and monetary policies: As expansionary monetary policy in one part of the world comes to an end, central banks policies in other parts of the world are further incentivising the growth and employment, with mixed results. What will 2015 bring in terms of growth and monetary policies around the world? Registered participants include IMF managing director Christine Lagarde and the governors of the central banks of Brazil, Canada, England, France, Italy, Japan, Mexico and Switzerland.
• The new energy context: As energy prices are dropping to five-year lows, what are the short- and long-term effects on the world? What does it mean for growth in emerging economies and the impact on climate change? Registered participants include Saudi Aramco chief executive Khalid Al Falih, General Motors CEO Barra, Opec secretary-general Abdalla Salem El Badri and the CEOs of oil companies Total and Pemex.

Innovation and industry

• Future of technology: As technology expands to virtually all aspects of the economy, how does it affect our lives? What good can technology do for the world? And what is the right balance between competition and innovation in the technology industry? Registered participants include Alibaba’s Jack Ma Yun, Yahoo’s Marissa Mayer, Microosoft’s Satya Nadella¸ Facebook’s Sheryl Sandberg, Google’s  Eric Schmidt and Wikipedia founder Jimmy Wales.

Society and security

• Income inequality and the development agenda: While many countries are still struggling to reinvigorate growth, the discussion in other countries revolves around the redistribution of wealth. How can we incorporate the needs of developing nations, struggling western economies, and the equality and parity questions?
 Registered participants include WTO director-general Roberto Azevêdo, philanthropists Bill Gates and Melinda Gates, OECD secretary-general Angel Gurría, UN Women’s Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka and ILO director-general Guy Ryder.