Thinking global at the WEF: the violent protests that marked the World Economic Forum in 2000 have not been repeated, but critics continue to question the social value of the world's biggest talking shop. Here, Forum director Lee Howell tells how global debate inspires action where it counts--at the grass roots.
| Auteur | Heddema, Renske |
| Fonction | BUSINESS |
It's Saturday afternoon on January 30, 2000. People begin to fill the streets of Davos. Italian farmers from Lombardy peacefully hand out slices of homemade ham, explaining that EU food regulations forbid them to make this century-old delicacy.
More anti-globalists assemble, waving banners. As the crowd tightens and begins to move, the mood is increasingly grim. The main thoroughfare in Davos is blocked by barriers--and by Swiss police, armed to the teeth. But demonstrators have already pulled black woollen caps over their heads, shouting slogans and displaying increasing aggression. An iron fence is thrown through the window of a McDonalds, and I dive to avoid being hit.
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Another police barricade is overrun, seriously wounding a young policeman in the head. Panicking and tearful, another of ricer bends over his bleeding colleague in the snow, scolding the offenders who have continued their relentless march.
At the last control post before the WEF meeting hall, the demonstrators are finally stopped. Unaware of the turmoil, U.S. President Clinton leaves Davos by helicopter.
A forum for today
Since the violence of the beginning of this century, the demonstrations have vanished from the streets of Davos. The anti-globalists now have their own summit, far away from the snowy slopes of Switzerland.
NGOs still active in Davos have chosen playful methods, like a festive contest of the worst corporate behaviour. To this end, the 'Open Eye on Davos' has opened a 'Hall of Shame' where companies like Novartis, Shell, Dow Chemical and Walt Disney have been held accountable for irresponsible conduct in multiple areas.
Although criticism continues, the Forum has disarmed its opponents by giving the dissenting chorus a podium in the socalled 'Open Forum'. Participants of the Annual Meeting debate with Swiss NGOs, spiritual leaders, and even local inhabitants in a Davos high school.
But the Forum itself, with its vast representation of business leaders, cultural leaders, politicians and NGOs is still star attraction of the annual think-tank.
Lee Howell, this year's programme director, has seen the annual meeting evolve over the years.
Responsible for the Manhattan meeting in 2002, when the WEF exchanged Davos for New York, and having worked outside the organisation in subsequent years, he is in a good position to judge its impact.
He says today's unparalleled global challenges require new initiatives by governments, industries, NGOs...
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