The other side of the World Economic Forum

Saturday, 12 January 2008 | posted by armin

The rich and powerful are preparing to head towards Davos, and so are their counterparts! Like in previous years, the Swiss police are expecting a great number anti-capitalist and anti-globalisation demonstrators throughout the country, most notable in the city of Basel on January 27^th.  

In the upcoming week, the eyes of both extremes of the political spectrum are focused on Davos. This year’s WEF theme “The Power of Collaborative Innovation” has again irked critics who are protesting, discussing and trying to inform the public about problems related to the “big business”.   

Until recently, anti-WEF riots were getting increasingly violent, chaotic and damaging. Swiss television has broadcasted war-like images that reminded us of pure anarchy and brute force, something we have only known from places far away from here. In the context of growing dislike against this “behind closed door” forum, people started realizing that we can’t continue fencing in the mingling of high-ranking officials, CEOs, and business leaders while the public is pushed aside. Hence, since 2003 the World Economic Forum co-hosts the “Open Forum” (http://www.forumblog.org/openforum/), an event that “offers a possibility for an open debate on globalization and its consequences”.   

I urge you to check out the webpage where you can also leave your comments.  

All the best from my end,

Have a safe trip and see you soon!