WEF: Swiss beckon it to Davos
The annual summit of the World Economic Forum (WEF) returns to its traditional home of Davos in 2003, but debate over its long-term site still simmers.
The Swiss government hopes this year’s decision to decamp to New York will not turn into a habit. It was the first time in 31 years that the summit was held outside Switzerland.
“Switzerland will be delighted to host next year’s annual gathering, back in Switzerland once again, in the Alps, in Davos,” the Swiss foreign minister, Joseph Deiss, emphasized in his closing speech.
“Switzerland wants to continue to host this search [for dialogue] and is proud to bring Davos back to Davos,” added Deiss.
Earlier this month the WEF announced it would return to Switzerland in 2003, but its long-term commitment to the tiny mountain resort remains in doubt.
Friendly persuasion
At this year’s meeting, some New York representatives openly pleaded for a permanent move to their city.
” You should come here,” the mayor of New York, Michael Bloomberg, told delegates in his opening address. “You should go to Switzerland to ski.”
His comments failed to impress the Swiss delegation, which included the president, Kaspar Villiger, and two other cabinet ministers. “In Switzerland, you can ski and work at the same time, which is perhaps an advantage,” commented the economics minister, Pascal Couchepin.
Couchepin told swissinfo that there were political considerations weighing against the WEF returning to the United States in the future.
“The United States is the world superpower,” said Couchepin. “If the decision was made to hold the Forum in America on a regular basis, it would confirm fears that it is becoming an all-dominant power, excluding outside dialogue partners. This would not be good. Not good for us and not good for the United States.”
Following the events of September 11, and as a sign of solidarity, the summit was held in New York this year.
The Swiss foreign minister, Joseph Deiss, added that a major reason for returning to the eastern Swiss resort was the “spirit of Davos” itself. The “small wintry town” was a world away from busy, bustling hubbub that is New York, he said.
“Many participants came to Davos because of the atmosphere of the place, which enabled them to discuss serious subjects in an informal manner, in an enjoyable way,” he said.
by Devra Pitt and Pierre Gobet
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