Behind the Money Davos’ fight for relevance
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Jan 14, 2026 Mercedes Ruehl, the Financial Times' correspondent for Switzerland and Austria, provides insights into the World Economic Forum's challenges ahead of its annual meeting in Davos. She discusses how the event has become less relevant amid global shifts and criticisms of its elitism. Ruehl covers the implications of high attendance, including prominent figures like Donald Trump, and the pressures for concrete outcomes. The future of Davos hinges on whether it can adapt to maintain its significance in a rapidly changing world.
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Origins: A Forum For Cross-Sector Dialogue
- Klaus Schwab founded the WEF to bring CEOs, policymakers and academics together for long-term dialogue rather than treaty negotiation.
- The forum deliberately built a neutral, remote setting in Davos to force unusual conversations across sectors.
Davos Became An Exclusive Networking Ecosystem
- Davos grew into an exclusive hub where side events and networking often rival the official programme in importance.
- The event's invite-only model and rising fees created an ecosystem of branding, deals and access.
Vignettes Of Davos Nightlife
- An attendee recalled casually meeting Sharon Stone and then being whisked away by Bill Clinton during Davos nightlife.
- The same person remembered Richard Branson offering a drink then asking him to pay, capturing Davos' celebrity culture.