2020 WEF Annual Meeting Theme

The 2020 World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting centered around the theme 'Stakeholders for a Cohesive and Sustainable World'. This theme highlighted the urgent need for addressing climate change and promoting sustainability as critical components of global economic discussions. Participants at the meeting expressed concerns regarding the inadequacy of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) as a measure of societal well-being, arguing that it fails to capture the broader impacts of economic activities on the environment and quality of life. The dialogue emphasized the necessity of reevaluating economic indicators to better reflect the health of societies and ecosystems. A significant point of contention was the continuation of fossil fuel subsidies, which many attendees advocated should be eliminated to foster a more sustainable economic framework. The discussions also pointed towards the need for a reformed version of capitalism, with several participants, including notable figures like Al Gore, calling for a shift towards a model that prioritizes environmental stewardship and social equity. The meeting served as a platform for leaders from various sectors to collaborate on strategies that could lead to a more cohesive and sustainable global economy, underscoring the importance of collective action among stakeholders to address pressing global challenges.