Mon Jan 20 06:50:50 UTC 2025: **Davos Summit Opens Amidst Global Uncertainty: India Sends Record Delegation**
Davos, Switzerland – The World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting 2025 kicked off today, bringing together global leaders from business, government, and civil society. This year’s summit, running from January 20th to 24th, is marked by a significant Indian presence – the largest delegation ever, including five Union Ministers, three Chief Ministers, and nearly 100 CEOs. The delegation aims to showcase India’s economic policies, digital transformation, and investment opportunities.
The WEF’s pre-summit survey highlighted a stark reality: armed conflict is the top global risk to economic growth in 2025, surpassing even extreme weather, which held the top spot in 2024. Nearly a quarter of the 900 experts surveyed cited conflict as the most significant threat. WEF Managing Director Mirek Dusek emphasized the need for global collaboration and resilience in the face of these cascading risks.
The summit’s opening day featured a panel discussion on the incoming US President Donald Trump’s administration, the Crystal Awards recognizing three global cultural leaders, and an open forum focusing on support for people with disabilities. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy is scheduled to address the meeting on January 21st, while President Trump will participate virtually on January 23rd. The summit’s focus on collaboration and addressing global challenges underscores the gravity of the risks facing the world economy in 2025.