The Secret of Davos: Asking the Right Questions

DAVOS, SWITZERLAND – I have participated in the World Economic Forum for more than a decade, and with each session I continue to seek to understand how this gathering of such different people, from all over the world, keeps the world fresh. The dynamism of ideas and purposes.

The basis for the permanence and importance of this conclave, which has been held since 1971, is certainly compatible with contemporary challenges.

Here heads of government, executives of multilateral organizations, leaders of private companies, members of NGOs and representatives of civil society take positions, exchange information and discuss ideas in a focused space ranging from informal meetings to crowded conferences. It is very easy to see, see, hear and talk.

One aspect that draws attention is that the forum has a spirit of collecting and exchanging knowledge in an objective manner. But instead of expecting answers, he asks questions and doubts first.

This humility indicates to all of us, from the beginning, that we are in a world that is the result of an equation of uncertainty.

The initial proposal for the forum was to bring together European and American businessmen. Over time, it acquired new geographical breadth and thematic ambitions. It has the advantage of not softening reality.

This 54th edition has brought to its core the need to restore normalcy, even in an environment of increasing geopolitical and environmental risks, as well as doubts about artificial intelligence.

Under the slogan “Rebuilding Confidence,” the organizers’ proposal, led by Professor Klaus Schwab, was based on recognizing the weakness of institutions and exchanging civilized dialogue in order to bring about polarization in many regions of the world.

The dominant themes in these sessions were the direction of interest rates, inflation, income concentration, wars in Europe and the Middle East, and geopolitical tensions in Asia and South America.

Concerns include how to regulate risk metrics for issues such as humanitarian crises caused by hunger and extreme poverty. There was a discussion here about countries setting targets to reduce social inequality, and we hope that their impacts will be felt throughout the year.

Artificial intelligence has gained great importance in discussions. The forum praised the integration of artificial intelligence into people's daily activities, while recognizing the importance of governance models in its development.

The discussion highlighted, with great focus, a series of different positions of governments and companies, which could subsequently be embodied in new protocols and understandings.

The need for organization has been defended, including by our Minister Luis Roberto Barroso, President of the STF.

Brazil deserves the attention of investors attending Davos. We are seen as a country that performs its duties diligently and realistically. Therefore, it has grown more than expected in 2023 – and is still seeking to reform its economy.

Its most notable feature was its pioneering role in the green transformation due to its natural conditions. In a symbolic gesture, businessman Bill Gates expressed to Minister Marina Silva his intention to visit the country before the 30th session of the Conference of the Parties, scheduled to be held in November 2025 in Belém.

I expect that we will return to Davos next year with a new list of challenges that Brazil has overcome – to search for new ideas and directions for human existence.

Luiz Carlos Trabuco Capi is Chairman of the Board of Directors of Bradesco.

Luiz Carlos Trabuco Capi