The annual World Economic Forum attracts global business and political leaders to examine global trends in economics and development, identify emerging issues, and engagein dialogue and positive action. The theme of the 2006 meeting in Davos, Switzerland was "The Creative Imperative." Recognizing creativity and innovation as critical components of sustainable development, this year's meeting called for business, political and civil society leaders to harness creativity to provide new answers to the world’s problems.
“The assumptions, tools and frameworks that leaders have used to make decisions over the past decade appear inadequate. It is imperative for leaders of all walks of life to develop new capabilities if they expect to be successful and to maintain relevance,” said Professor Klaus Schwab, Founder and Executive Chairman of the World Economic Forum.
“...In a context where uncertainty, risk and doubt are on the rise. Despite (or because of) these changes in the global environment there's great opportunity for those who innovate and create. In other words, Creativity is an Imperative.”
Creativity is needed to find new tools and solutions to tackle dark clouds like global imbalances, according to Mukesh D. Ambani, Chairman and Managing Director, Reliance Industries, India, also a Co-Chair of the Annual Meeting 2006. “The world has a real chance if we form global partnerships to banish poverty and we need creative solutions...” he said.
“Business is in a unique position to play a leading role in helping to shape the global agenda, and can provide government and civil society with the tools and capabilities to better adapt,” said Jonathan Schmidt, Director, Global Agenda, World Economic Forum. “The Annual Meeting aims to bring this message to participants, in order to stimulate creative capabilities and the courage to embrace change, which is at times disruptive and painful, but can ultimately be uplifting and rewarding,” he said.
Comments