Davos-Klosters, Switzerland, 20 January 2023 – World leaders gathered at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2023 in the first major international gathering of the year to address ongoing economic, energy and food crises while laying the groundwork for a more sustainable, resilient world. While many economists forecast recessionary risks in 2023 and see geopolitical tensions continuing to shape the global economy, there are glimmers of hope that pressures on food, energy and inflation may be peaking. "Our world is plagued by a perfect storm on a number of fronts," said United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, who called for urgent action on a number of interconnected challenges, including the global economic crisis, climate, income and gender inequality, US-China relations, Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. “Now more than ever, it is time to forge the pathways to cooperation in our fragmented world.” World leaders expressed solidarity with Ukraine. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said his country will continue to support Ukraine “for as long as necessary.” He also said that, despite the war, Europe’s largest economy will avoid a recession this year thanks to its efforts to limit the impact of the region’s energy crisis on the economy, and reaffirmed Germany’s goal of attaining climate neutrality. China’s Vice-Premier Liu He declared his country open to the world after three years of pandemic isolation, and emphasized international cooperation, economic stability and re-globalization. Cooperation is becoming more virtual and the Forum’s Global Collaboration Village showed how the metaverse can be harnessed for inclusive and effective international action. With the golden age of artificial intelligence under way, technology will provide more ways to bring people together. “Through the power of collaboration, innovation, human goodwill and ingenuity, we have the capacity to turn challenges into opportunities. This is the spirit of solving problems through mutual respect and cooperation. This is the spirit of Davos,” said Klaus Schwab, Founder and Executive Chairman, World Economic Forum. As crises converge, so too must the solutions. The Annual Meeting emphasized connections across big systemic challenges. With over 480 sessions, more than 2,700 leaders – including over 350 public figures government leaders and 47 heads of state – came together at the Annual Meeting 2023 to address the world’s most pressing challenges. On geopolitical cooperation On growth, investment, trade and infrastructure On climate, energy, nature and sustainability On health On technology and innovation On jobs, skills and education On equity, inclusion and diversity On arts and culture Click for more information.