The World Economic Forum is set to start next week, but its spotlight may be dimmed by significant political events happening at the same time. The inauguration of Donald Trump as the new US president on Monday and the election of a new Irish Taoiseach on Wednesday mean that two key leaders will miss the gathering in person.
While Mr. Trump will join the forum virtually, engaging attendees through a video link and participating in an interactive discussion on Thursday, the current Taoiseach, Simon Harris, was initially listed among the 60 world leaders expected to be present but is now unlikely to attend.
The World Economic Forum, an important annual event held in Davos, Switzerland, brings together leaders from various sectors, including politics, business, and civil society, to discuss pressing global issues. Despite the absence of these leaders, the forum is still likely to attract significant attention and participation from other prominent figures.
