NGOs: New Models for the 21st Century

In the past century, businesses have become increasingly proactive corporate citizens, taking on social and environmental causes that were traditionally the domain of international organizations and NGOs. Meanwhile, non-profit institutions have found their management and performance under scrutiny. As we advance to an era where efficiency and accountability take precedence, how can humanitarian funds be applied most effectively?

Unemployed or Unemployable?

Globally, there is a need to create 600 million productive jobs over the next decade to ensure sustainable growth and preserve social cohesion. While youth are protesting en masse and the number of university graduates is higher than ever before, businesses are struggling to find skilled talent to hire. How can this gap be bridged?

Mega Sporting Events: In Whose Interest?

Mega sport events are of great interest to regions all over the world. The costs and benefits of hosting these large-scale events are matters of continuous debate. While they are viewed by some parties as a means to stimulate economic growth, social benefits, tourism, infrastructure improvements and national pride, many others are concerned with increased taxes and cost overruns, local disruptions and «white elephant» buildings.

Life Lessons from Jazz: Improvisation as a Way of Life

Today, Jazz has become one of the world's first truly global musics, while retaining its African American roots, principles and aesthetics. The centrality of improvisation, the fluidity of leadership and the collective nature of a jazz band have enabled jazz to absorb new traits without sacrificing its identity.

Is Religion Outdated in the 21st Century?

While religions are the oldest institutions in the world, they are the slowest to respond to modern issues such as drugs, homosexuality and changing family relationships. As we move into the second decade of the 21st century, it is important to re-examine the place religion holds in the world today.

Eurozone: Solidarity or Domination?

Europe will face significant challenges in 2013, such as balancing «smart austerity» with the need for «smart growth». Indeed, diverging competitiveness, on-going refinancing and liquidity issues have led to mounting tensions between signatory countries. Is the European utopia of solidarity, stability and integration a broken promise?

War against Obesity: Fat Invoice?

Obesity is the fastest-growing chronic disease, killing 2.8 million adults every year. With 1.4 billion overweight adults, we live in a world where unhealthy food, labour-saving devices, motorized transport and sedentary work are prevalent. Fast food sales are also on the rise, blurring the boundaries between meals and snacks.

Open Forum News

Open Forum Davos 2013: Building Resilience through Debate

The Open Forum Davos 2013, which runs in parallel to the World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting 2013, is holding a series of high-level discussions, from 23 to 26 January, with leaders from the public and private sectors, as well as civil society. For the 11th consecutive year, the public is invited to join our animated debates and discuss current issues with global experts.

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Open Forum Davos 2012: Recognition, Discussion and Change

The Open Forum Davos 2012, running in parallel with the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2012, is hosting a series of high-level discussions from 27 to 29 January with leaders from politics, business and civil society. For the 10th year, the public is invited to join the discussions, offering a chance to debate a number of issues, such as globalization and its consequences.

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Over 2000 Participants at the Open Forum Davos

Six panels with up to 470 participants in the sometimes overfilled hall demonstrated the relevance of the themes of the ninth Open Forum Davos organised by the Federation of Swiss Protestant Churches and the World Economic Forum.

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Open Forum Twitter

In a spirit of inclusivity, to engage youth and learn from one another, students of the Swiss Alpine School tweet throughout the Open Forum sessions, sharing inspiring comments, words of wisdom and various points of view. You can follow on @openforumdavos.

Latest Tweets

26.01.2013 RT @paulocoelho: Let's agree in one point: we can have anything, but we CAN'T have everything #wef
26.01.2013 RT @juergen_sfw: #wef @davos Great format of the #openforum. Would love to see more of it in coming years. @sfw_tweets @schwabfound #soc ...
26.01.2013 Do you know your BMI? Question from the audience. Discussion about obesity at Open Forum. #obesity #OFD #WEF
26.01.2013 an hour into the panel, the moderator gets everyone to stand up. Fighting obesity, bit by bit. #obesity #WEF #OFD
26.01.2013 Paul Bulcke, CEO Nestle- the government must provide the frame and the industry the painting. #OFD #WEF #obesity