United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has cancelled his participation in the World Economic Forum’s annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland, due to a “bad cold”, according to his spokesman, Rolando Gomez. Guterres was scheduled to speak on Wednesday, but will now leave Switzerland instead.
The cancellation comes as US President Donald Trump is set to attend the meeting, where he will deliver a special address and meet with global business leaders. Trump’s visit is expected to draw significant attention, with several top US officials, including Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, accompanying him to the Swiss mountain resort.
According to sources familiar with the matter, business leaders from various industries, including financial services, cryptocurrency, and consulting, have been invited to a reception in honor of President Trump. The agenda for the meeting is unclear, but it is seen as an opportunity for Trump to engage with global CEOs and discuss key economic issues.
The World Economic Forum’s annual meeting in Davos brings together leaders from around the world to discuss pressing global issues, including economic inequality, climate change, and technological innovation. This year’s meeting is expected to focus on the theme of “Stakeholders for a Cohesive and Sustainable World”.
Guterres’ cancellation is a notable absence, given his role as a key global leader and advocate for international cooperation. However, his spokesman emphasized that the decision was due to a minor illness, and not a reflection on the importance of the meeting.
As the World Economic Forum gets underway, all eyes will be on Trump’s address and his interactions with global leaders. The meeting is expected to provide insight into the US administration’s economic priorities and its approach to international cooperation. With the global economy facing numerous challenges, the discussions in Davos are likely to have significant implications for international trade, investment, and economic development.
