World Economic Forum (WEF) + UPSC?.ToString()?? UPSC?.ToString()+" Current Affairs";

Why in the News?
The World Economic Forum (WEF) is holding its Annual Meeting from January 20 to 24, 2025, in Davos, Switzerland.
About the World Economic Forum (WEF)
The World Economic Forum (WEF) was established in 1971 as a not-for-profit foundation by German engineer and economist Klaus Schwab. Initially called the European Management Forum, it was later rebranded as WEF in 1987. The forum introduced the concept of stakeholder capitalism, emphasizing that businesses should serve not just shareholders but also employees, customers, and communities.
WEF engages global leaders, policymakers, and businesses through dialogue, debate, and action-oriented commitments, aiming to build resilient, inclusive, and sustainable economies.
Background and Evolution
In 1973, the collapse of the Bretton Woods system and the Arab-Israeli War expanded WEF’s focus from management to global economic and social issues.
By 1975, WEF introduced a membership system for the top 1,000 companies worldwide.
In 1987, it was officially renamed the World Economic Forum, broadening its scope to include global policy discussions.
In 2015, WEF was formally recognized as an international organization.
Funding
WEF is primarily funded by its corporate partners, which are global enterprises with annual revenues exceeding $5 billion.
Key Reports Published by WEF
Global Competitiveness Report
Global Gender Gap Report
Future of Jobs Report
Global Risks Report
Energy Transition Index
Global Travel and Tourism Report
Headquarters
📍 Cologny, Switzerland
Objectives of WEF
Improve the state of the world through public-private cooperation.
Address economic, social, and environmental challenges through collaboration.
2025 Theme
🟢 "Collaboration for the Intelligent Age"
Functions of WEF
✅ Global Dialogues: Hosts the Davos Annual Meeting, where leaders discuss global challenges and solutions.
✅ Publications & Rankings: Regularly releases influential reports like the Global Competitiveness Report and Future of Jobs Report.
✅ Policy Advocacy: Drives initiatives on sustainability, inclusive development, and technological innovation.
✅ Diplomatic Initiatives: Facilitates key political dialogues, including the historic 1992 meeting between Nelson Mandela and F.W. de Klerk.
Davos Meeting
📌 Participants: ~3,000 global leaders, including business executives, investors, policymakers, economists, journalists, and celebrities.
📌 Duration: Up to 5 days with 500+ sessions covering pressing global issues.
India’s Participation and Stance at Davos
India plays an active role at WEF Davos, leveraging the platform to showcase its economic growth, investment opportunities, and global leadership in technology, sustainability, and innovation.
Key Aspects of India's Participation:
1️⃣ Showcasing Economic Growth 📈
India highlights its GDP growth, ease of doing business improvements, and "Make in India" & "Digital India" initiatives.
India ranks among the fastest-growing economies and uses WEF to attract FDI (Foreign Direct Investment).
2️⃣ Leadership in Climate Action & Sustainability 🌱
India advocates for sustainable growth, focusing on renewable energy, the International Solar Alliance (ISA), and the Net Zero goal for 2070.
Indian policymakers emphasize green hydrogen, electric vehicles (EVs), and solar energy adoption.
3️⃣ Technology and Innovation 🚀
India promotes its leadership in AI, fintech, digital payments (UPI), and semiconductor manufacturing.
Indian tech giants and startups use WEF to forge global partnerships.
4️⃣ Geopolitical and Trade Diplomacy 🌍
India voices its stance on global trade, multilateral cooperation, and supply chain resilience.
Advocates for reforming global governance institutions like the UN, WTO, and IMF.
5️⃣ Social and Gender Inclusion 👩‍💼👨‍💼
India highlights progress in gender equality, education, and social development.
Contributions to WEF’s Global Gender Gap Report and discussions on financial inclusion & women entrepreneurship.
India’s Representation at WEF 2025
Government Leaders: India is likely to be represented by ministers, policy advisors, and state leaders.
Business Delegates: CEOs of leading Indian firms (Reliance, Tata, Infosys, etc.) and startups.
Think Tanks & Experts: Indian economists and sustainability experts participate in panel discussions.