World Economic Forum

The World Economic Forum (WEF) is an independent, international organization incorporated as a Swiss not-for-profit foundation, based in Cologny, near Geneva. The WEF is one of the foremost global community of business, political, intellectual, and other leaders of society who are committed to improving the state of the world, i.e. to promote the idea that "economic progress without social development is not sustainable, while social development without economic progress is not feasible." WEF thus engages in work that combines economic strategies with approaches to issues such as HIV/AIDS treatment, hunger, and terrorism. WEF's view on climate change is that the world leaders – both business and government – should act now, as inaction will only make future action even more costly (read the WEF Recommentdations to the G8 Leaders – July 2008 – worked out in collaboration with the World Business Council for Sustainable Development.

Working Method

WEF aims to be "the foremost organization which builds and energizes leading global communities; the creative force shaping global, regional and industry strategies; and the catalyst of choice for its communities when undertaking global initiatives to improve the state the world." To carry out this mission, the World Economic Forum establishes networks, publishes reports, and arranges regional as well as global meetings, such as the annual world summit in Davos.

Supported by:

WEF is supported by membership fees, partnership fees, and fees from the annual WEF Meeting in Davos.