Sky News Daily David Beckham, Donald Trump – what are they doing in Davos?
Jan 20, 2026
Paul Kelso, Sky News business and economics correspondent, dives into the glitzy world of Davos, where global leaders and celebrities converge. He unpacks the World Economic Forum's purpose, emphasizing its role in promoting liberal economic values. Kelso discusses the eclectic mix of attendees, including Donald Trump and David Beckham, and critiques the elitism surrounding the event. The conversation highlights pressing issues like climate change and AI, while questioning how these discussions resonate with the broader public.
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Davos Is The Global Elite's Convergence
- The World Economic Forum is a meeting of the global elite that promotes a liberal, globalised economic order.
- It mixes politicians, business leaders and civil society in a hybrid of conference, trade fair and summit that shapes agendas.
Davos Compresses Months Of Meetings
- Paul Kelso describes Davos as a captive setting where attendees stay and do business without leaving for easier locations.
- One CEO told him they'd compress three months of meetings into one week at Davos.
Value Exists Despite Elitism
- Davos delivers real business value despite justified cynicism about elitism and inaccessibility.
- The forum helps governments and firms reach many stakeholders efficiently, even if access tiers reinforce hierarchy.