By Adinah Brown
For the first time in 20 years Trump was the first US President to attend the World Economic Forum at Davos this last Thursday. Rubbing shoulders with the likes of Britain’s Theresa May and Israel’s Benjamin Netanyahu. Trump attended a full day of meetings before delivering a highly polished keynote address. Carefully following the event, these are our take away lessons of what appears to matter most to the world’s global elite.
Business has learnt how to cozy up to Trump
Despite his loud and conspicuous efforts to slam big foreign business on his campaign trail to presidency, Trump used this opportunity to encourage global companies to invest in the United States and take advantage of corporate tax cuts that he has since instituted during his term. During the forum, Trump hosted an exclusive dinner for top European business executives on Thursday night, where he supposedly reassured them that he was a partner in their business interests. Striking right at the heart of what matters most to any chief executive, Trump addressed the cash incentives of establishing partnerships in the US. Thus, it appeared that memories were short as the response from executives was overwhelmingly positive, fawning praise both on the served grilled beef tenderloin as they did on Trump’s tax cuts and policies of deregulation.
The Nastiness of Social Media
Social Media and its major protagonists of Facebook and Twitter was punched around from pillar to post. It was chastised from almost every single angle; be it failing to control extremist messages, the corruption it is causing to the lifestyles of society’s youth, putting them on an unhealthy routine of selfies and streamed updates. George Soros had the most stinging attack, blaming social media for exploiting the social fabric of our society and undermining the very viability of democracy. This was echoed around the room as Theresa May accused media moguls for assisting terrorist activity and child abusers.
Sexual Harassment: Game Over
News of Britain’s notorious President’s Club charity dinner, appeared to make its way up the slopes to the Davos summit where the sordid details spread like wild fire of executives who were invited to enjoy both the meal and the “hostesses” in attendance. Yet as the news spread, business leaders appeared to be more concerned about checking the guest list to confirm that none amongst their staff where in attendance, and then visibly blanching when it came to any details.
That’s not to say there wasn’t any authentic concern behind the gossip vine. Canada’s Justin Trudeau called for a “critical discussion” to address women’s rights and business chiefs were still listening as Nobel Peace Prize winner, Malala Yousafzai advocated for women to be supported in raising up their voices to end harassment.
Adjusting Education to the Era of AI
No less of a concern for world leaders is the fear that unemployment rates will sky rocket as AI heralds in the fourth Industrial Revolution. While business leaders sweat the thought that the workforce just won’t have the skills needed in the fast approaching technological age. The solution was loud and clear from John Goodwin, Chief of the Lego Foundation, education has to change. He reported that too many countries are still using educational practices that are dated back to our grandparents, the potential outcome of this could be disastrous with data already showing that two-thirds of children are preparing to enter occupations that are unlikely to exist anymore.
Has Davos become another European relic?
With its long and prestigious history of welcoming the world’s upper-crust to its lofty chateaus every winter, there was the growing sensation that perhaps Davos has finally outgrown itself. The theme of this year’s WEF summit was “Creating a Shared Future in a Fractured World”, but the story on the ground only pointed towards one “fracture”, represented by the echo chamber of the global elite.
Trump’s arrival was hardly inconspicuous, overshadowing all other events even before he touched down. But the atmosphere was set even before this point. What else could you expect when creating a gathering of world leaders on a glamorous, if not exclusive, ski resort? The schedule, which included a series of keynote speeches, executive meetings and private sessions were all held amongst the world’s decision makers and shape shifters. One senior UK delegate half-jokingly admitted he had a serially bad case of FOMO- Fear of Missing Out. But the reality is, those who were kept out, were you and I, and the voices of billions.
As Davos, received one of its most pathetic downfalls of snow in decades, the thought begins to settle; is Davos just not what it used to be? Or, has Davos become another expensive European relic?
About the Author:
Adinah Brown is a professional writer who has worked in a wide range of industry settings, including corporate industry, government and non-government organizations. Within many of these positions, Adinah has provided skilled marketing and advertising services and is currently the Content Manager at Leverate.
