As the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting commenced in Davos beginning January 15, World Council of Churches general secretary the Rev Prof Dr Jerry Pillay urged the gathering to renew its commitment to multilateral co-operation for the longer-term good of all people.

The forum convened under the theme “Rebuilding Trust.”

Pillay reflected that trust is the essential ingredient without which human societies – and the global community – cannot function. “However, in today’s divided and increasingly conflictual world, it is a commodity in critically short supply,” said Pillay. “While some of those in attendance in Davos are themselves drivers of inequality, injustice, and division, we want to believe that many others are genuinely committed to exercising their considerable influence to promote a greater measure of justice and peace in the world.”

The four key themes identified for the meeting are: “Achieving Security and Cooperation in a Fractured World,” “Creating Growth and Jobs for a New Era,” “Artificial Intelligence as a Driving Force for the Economy and Society,” and “A Long-Term Strategy for Climate, Nature, and Energy.” Rebuilding trust will be an essential precondition for progress in any of these areas, Pillay observed.

“Given the unprecedented constellation of global crises – especially of climate, conflict, and economic inequality – there is an urgent need for co-operation and action, rather than division and unconstructive competition,” he said. (WCC)