27 January 2009: The World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2009 opened in Davos, Switzerland, under the overall theme “Shaping the Post-Crisis World.” Over 2,500 participants and 40 Heads of State and government are participating in the meeting, where business, civil society and government leaders have gathered to share ideas on how to shape the post-crisis agenda, from economic reform to climate change. In an article entitled “The world needs to rewrite the rules of finance and global business,” Angel Gurría, Secretary-General of the Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD), writes that the Organisation is focusing on a strategic response to the crisis involving specific policy recommendations. He stresses the need for new thinking in various areas, including in tackling climate change, social exclusion and poverty, and calls for encouraging “the low-carbon innovation needed for a “green” recovery.”

The Davos Forum’s programme features several events related to climate change, where panelists will address the following issues: controlling climate change (28 January); dealing with deforestation and addressing the scientific challenges of resolving climate problems (29 January); rising to the challenge of Copenhagen, climate issues in Africa, the electric vehicle conundrum, and climate justice (30 January); and emissions trading, the politics of water, science for world leaders, the challenge of sustainable mobility and the right to food (31 January). [Davos Meeting 2009 Website] [Article by OECD’s Secretary-General]