On 15-19 January, global leaders from politics and the private sector gathered at the 54th World Economic Forum (WEF) to discuss social, economic and political issues driving today’s world. 

Liberal leaders including European Commission Vice-President for Values and Transparency Věra Jourová, European Commissioner for Energy Kadri Simson, Prime Ministers of Belgium Alexander De Croo (Open VLD, BE) and of the Netherlands Mark Rutte (VVD, NL) shared their insights in Forum sessions. 

Vice-President Jourová took part in two key sessions tackling forward-looking regulation on Artificial Intelligence and global trust in media institutions. 

“In Europe, we need a lot of creativity and optimism in looking at AI in all sectors and fields, be it private or public, because AI promises a lot of fantastic benefits for the people. The regulation has the precondition to cover the risks, but the rest remains to be free for creativity and positive thinking,” said Jourová. 

Speaking at a discussion on “defending the truth”. #WEF24

Those fighting for the truth are journalists, sometimes risking their lives to inform citizens. #MediaFreedom

It’s the duty of democracies to protect journalists, to support #media in the era of #ArtificialInteligence. pic.twitter.com/eZRPNQ8mrE

— Věra Jourová (@VeraJourova) January 18, 2024

Commissioner Simson spoke about the connection between energy and geopolitics in a panel debate, and took part in a separate event addressing how leaders can carry out the renewable energy transition rapidly and responsibly. 

“Recent times show how interlinked energy and geopolitics have become. Now, it is important to learn from the last energy crisis and enhance our energy security and the resilience of our energy supply chains. Strong partnerships remain of key importance, as does diversification,” she said. 

Just transition means supporting regions & communities that are impacted by the #energytransition.

➡️For example, coal & carbon intensive regions, who are impacted from the economic & social, as well as cultural perspective & require support. Discussing best practices at #WEF24. pic.twitter.com/wVVZCEgpfC

— Kadri Simson (@KadriSimson) January 17, 2024

Prime Minister De Croo met with President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy to discuss Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine and welcomed Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates at the Belgium House to discuss the future of energy and clean tech. 

I assured President @ZelenskyyUa that the EU's support remains steadfast - both financial and military.

We discussed Russia’s ongoing aggression against #Ukraine

At #EUCO we will decide on how we can honor the commitment of your brave people to freedom and democracy. pic.twitter.com/4pl8FkNil4

— Alexander De Croo 🇧🇪🇪🇺 (@alexanderdecroo) January 16, 2024

Prime Minister Rutte attended a debate on the recalibration of North-South trade cooperation, as well as a town hall meeting exploring the actions that leaders can take to rebuild trust in governing bodies. 

“We can only solve the major issues of our time if we harness the brainpower and ideas of as many people as possible from politics, business and academia. The World Economic Forum is the perfect platform for bringing together people from all over the world and all kinds of sectors,” he said. 

Een kijkje achter de schermen bij mijn bezoek aan #WEF2024 hier in Davos. 🛎️ pic.twitter.com/FVy4jOuK0o

— Mark Rutte (@MinPres) January 17, 2024

ALDE Party Vice-Presidents Kira Rudik MP (Golos, UA) and Eva Kjer Hansen MP (Venstre, DK) also joined the Forum in Davos. 

Excited to say that Ukraine House in Davos keeps working as a unique platform to advance the interests of heroic Ukrainian people – independence, freedom, justice. pic.twitter.com/LlQZQqV7lW

— Kira Rudik (@kiraincongress) January 16, 2024