Munich
Leaders gather as annual World Economic Forum started in Switzerland
Courtesy:UPIMonday, thousands of world leaders gathered in Davos, Switzerland, under the theme "cooperation in a fragmented world" to begin the annual World Economic Forum. The subject matter is a nod to a number of current geopolitical crises, most notably Russia's war in Ukraine, which is entering its second year
"Since so much is at stake, we absolutely need to resolve the conflicts and wars During the opening ceremony on Monday, World Economic Forum President Brge Brende stated, "We also have to ensure that we do not enter a recession and that we do not have ten years of low growth like we had in the 1970s "
For the most recent edition of the week-long summit, more than 2,700 leaders from 130 nations are currently in the Swiss Alps resort town Discussions about climate change are expected to dominate the program In 1971, the WEF was established in Geneva
There are five important pillars in the program itself A new system for harnessing cutting-edge technologies, current social vulnerabilities, and a discussion of current geopolitical risks are among them They also address the current energy and food crises, as well as the high inflation, low growth, and high debt economy
"Since 2020, the richest 1% have received two-thirds of all new wealth " According to Oxfam International Executive Director Gabriela Bucher, "that's double, almost double, what 99% of humanity had in terms of new wealth during that time "
The meeting is also attended by 35 foreign ministers, 30 trade ministers, 19 heads of central banks, and more than 50 finance ministers
Over 1,500 business leaders and 90 innovators, the forum's largest ever contingent, join politicians and bureaucrats
Climate activists are worried that the event will be "greenwashed" because industry leaders are there
In the days leading up to the conference, Ugandan climate activist Vanessa Nakate told reporters, "Oil and gas CEOs are invited into the forum to greenwash their businesses " After spending a week there, it's not hard to be
German defense minister Christine Lambrecht resigns after criticism
After receiving multiple rounds of criticism regarding her handling of the position, German Defense Minister Christine Lambrecht resigned on Monday. On Twitter, the 57-year-old announced her resignation.
Since the election of German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in 2021, Lambrecht has held the position. Before that, she was Scholz's deputy at the time, and she was named justice minister in 2019.
As Ukraine's war with Russia enters its second year, she has been criticized for Germany's handling of military modernization programs and weapons deliveries to Ukraine.
After she posted a video on New Year's Eve in which she discussed the war in Europe against the backdrop of celebratory fireworks, calls for her resignation skyrocketed.
She was also criticized for what was perceived as her "tone deafness" and lack of military expertise, such as when she raucously celebrated the early delivery of 5,000 helmets to Ukraine last year.
In a written statement, Lambrecht stated, "I have today asked the chancellor to dismiss me from the office of the Federal Minister of Defense."
She went on to say, "The media focus on my person for months hardly allows for objective reporting and discussion about servicemen and women, the Bundeswehr, and security policy decisions in the interest of German citizens."
Scholz remained faithful to her until the very end, despite persistent rumors and calls for her replacement.
After accepting Lambrecht's resignation, the chancellor stated, "She worked with immense engagement to get away from the paths trodden for decades so that we could manage the major restart that's necessary both for national defense and also for Ukraine."
Scholz stated that he has a "clear idea" of the person who will take her place, but he is not yet prepared to make any announcements.
After some observers had claimed that Germany was dragging its feet on the matter, Scholz and U.S. President Joe Biden jointly announced earlier this month that both countries would send armored vehicles to Ukraine.