Kagame attends World Economic Forum
Tuesday, January 16, 2024
President Paul Kagame joins several global political figures for the annual World Economic Forum meeting on Tuesday, January 16, 2024. Photo by Village Urugwiro

President Paul Kagame has arrived in the Swiss town of Davos where he joins several global political figures for the annual World Economic Forum meeting.

Convening over 2,800 leaders and experts including prominent figures from the business, political, academic, and civil society realms, the four-day forum is expected to navigate the complex global landscape and at the same time seek solutions to pressing challenges.

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Under the theme "Rebuilding Trust,” leaders are also expected to address urgent humanitarian and security challenges. The 54th annual World Economic Forum (WEF) comes against the backdrop of escalating geopolitical tensions, evolving economic policies, and rapid technological advancements.

According to the WEF organizers, leaders will concentrate on six critical themes: economic resilience, energy transformation, globalization, productive artificial intelligence, strengthening institutions, and women's health.

Klaus Schwab, the founder and executive chairman of WEF, emphasized the imperative to rebuild trust in a fragmented world witnessing increased social divisions.

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He said the forum explores the impact of the technological revolution, sustainability, and the rise of populism.

The agenda also delves into the rise of populism, technological advancements, breakthroughs in medicine, robotics, AI, and digitalization.

Who is in attendance?

President Kagame joins a list of several world leaders expected at the forum including China's Vice Premier Li Qiang and French President Emmanuel Macron, the sole G7 leader attending the latest edition.

UK Chancellor Jeremy Hunt and Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves are confirmed attendees at the forum.

Representing the US, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan, and Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry will be in attendance.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will be making speeches as well.

Argentinian President Javier Millei is set to address the gathering on Wednesday, attracting attention due to recent controversial decisions such as dollarizing the economy and abolishing the central bank.

Prominent figures from the global economy, including International Monetary Fund Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva, World Bank President Ajay S. Banga, and World Trade Organization Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, will make appearances.