Press Release

Published 28.01.2007 Author FSPC – Communication

Davos Open Forum 2007: The debate goes on

The hall was always packed to bursting. The numerous participants used the platform of the fifth Davos Open Forum with its seven platform conversations to dispute in a committed way with decision-makers from business, politics, church and civil society. In the debates, demands on topics like top salaries, sustainability and a multicultural society were developed loudly and solutions were proposed.

The Open Forum Davos has again offered a platform for a public discussion on topics of the globalized society. In this way for the fifth time the Federation of Swiss Protestant Churches (FSPC) and the World Economic Forum (WEF) have succeeded in building a bridge between a committed civil society and the decision-makers from business, politics and the church. Once again the active participation of those involved has shown the great need for controversy and dialogue. With their committed participation, schoolchildren and politicians, tourists and those taking part in the WEF, the local populace and globe-trotters have shown that the questions discussed on the panel concern them.

During the seven debates concrete proposals were put forward on essential challenges of the present. Thus those taking part in the controversial open panel on top salaries agreed that the payment of ‘exorbitant golden handshakes’ could not be justified. The FSPC had published a preparatory paper on the topic. In connection with the topic of sustainability ‘revolutionary rethinking’ on the use of energy was called for. Finally, on the panel on multicultural society it became clear that the interplay of politics, religion and the economy can function only if all concerned engage in honest dialogue. ‘We have no reason to fear encounter,’ remarked the Swiss Federal President Micheline Calmy-Rey on the platform. That is what the Open Forum stands for.

In order to preserve this movement the organizers, FSPC and WEF, plan to continue the Open Forum. ‘If we speak only with those who think in a similar way – in the WEF and the public – we see ourselves confirmed rather than challenged. Please go on discussing.’ Thus the FSPC President Thomas Wipf on the future of the Open Forum.