On the occasion of the 54th annual meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Pope Francis sent a letter to the group’s leader to express his hope that it will be an opportunity to find ways to build a better world. The pope’s Jan. 17 letter, addressed to the organization’s chairperson, Klaus Schwab, comes against the backdrop of what the pontiff described as an increasingly lacerated world and a troubling climate of international instability.
The pope highlighted the need to address the root causes of conflicts and emphasized the importance of addressing injustices that lead to armed conflict. He also discussed various pressing issues such as the climate crisis, global food scarcity, economic inequality, and the exploitation of laborers in developing countries. Pope Francis called for new economic paradigms that prioritize the common good and the needs of the poor and vulnerable.
The pope also stressed the role of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and intergovernmental organizations (IGOs) in promoting social and economic development. He emphasized the need for these organizations to have the freedom to exercise their functions of control and guidance in the economic sector, as achieving the common good is an objective beyond the reach of individual states.
The World Economic Forum, founded in 1971, aims to foster greater cooperation between private and public entities to confront political, economic, and social issues at various levels. The annual meeting in Davos is attended by world leaders, CEOs, financial leaders, and cultural personalities.
This year, attendees include Secretary of State Antony Blinken and climate envoy John Kerry from the United States, Premier Li Qiang from China, President Emanuel Macron from France, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy from Ukraine, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, and World Bank President Ajay S. Banga.
The pope’s letter serves as a call to action for the participants of the World Economic Forum to prioritize the well-being of the global community and work towards building a better world. It highlights the need for collaboration, ethical decision-making, and the pursuit of the common good in addressing the pressing challenges facing humanity.
