Quotes - Participants speak about the Annual Meeting

Tarek Sultan Al Essa, Chairman and Managing Director, Agility, Kuwait
"Leadership always matters, but at times like these - when the world is struggling to cope with a global financial crisis, climate change, ongoing ethnic conflicts in some countries and wars between nations in others - leadership is more critical than ever before. Good leadership, with its ability to listen and learn, create a vision, build productive partnerships, drive results, and be agile and responsive in the face of change, is the backbone of the Annual Meeting. Davos helps each participant become a better leader individually, but more importantly, creates the space for us to lead a shared vision for global change."

Jonathan Sacks, Chief Rabbi of Britain and the Commonwealth
"Each year, as the problems of this dangerous century cut deeper into the fabric of our shared humanity, the World Economic Forum becomes more and more important. It brings together a multiplicity of voices not often enough in conversation together: business, politics, diplomacy, the media, the arts - and yes, religion too."

James S. Turley, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Ernst & Young response:
"We have always valued our participation in the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting because of the focus it brings to the major issues facing the world today – and the issues we are likely to face tomorrow.  In a time of a global economic crisis, this focus is more important than ever. Leaders from both the public and private sectors need to sit down together, and focus on the challenges and possible solutions ahead. None of us will manage through this crisis in a vacuum. We need each other — our ideas, our relationships, our experiences form a pool of creative assets that the Forum alone packages and delivers to those who participate. I look forward to the agenda of the sessions and plan to focus my time on building the kinds of working relationships that will help us meet today’s challenges as well as promote solutions needed for long-term economic and social growth."

Sadako Ogata, President, Japan International Cooperation Agency
"Those with ideas to advance and problems to solve come to snowy Davos every January. The World Economic Forum provides a unique platform to respond to a variety of problems of poverty, finance, politics and technology.Globalization has transformed relations between and within states. The increasing openness in trade and investment contributes to economic growth but also brings vulnerability to developments elsewhere. Isn't the world in need of a new collective structure that assures both security of states and of peoples on all sides of borders?"

John Wren, Chief Executive Officer, Omnicom
"Omnicom Group's agencies serve 5,000 private and public sector clients throughout the world, and I look forward to seeing some of our customers and business partners in Davos. The World Economic Forum's platform for multi-stakeholder, socially-directed dialogue is a great forum to discuss potential solutions to the economic challenges we all face today. The global leaders assembled in Davos this year can make a difference in world affairs, even if we simply conceive and initiate a few actionable ideas to improve commercial conditions, restore trust in institutions and confidence in the future. I am pleased to a member of this important forum."

Mustafa Ceric, Grand Mufti of Bosnia
"There is an old saying that one should not neglect four small things: a small fire, a small disease, a small enemy and a small wisdom. Hence, I attend the Annual Meeting in Davos because it gives me the opportunity to be in the company of people who work together in order that the small fire of conflict does not spread farther; that the small disease of one being does not infect the others; that the small enemy of global peace and security does not grow bigger; and that the small wisdom of each and every one of us be shared by all of us so that our world become better."

Greg Brown, President & Co-CEO, Motorola, Inc., Chief Executive Officer, Broadband Mobility Solutions
"As a leader in innovation, Motorola looks forward to discussions in Davos this year on how science and technology will play a role in the world's economic recovery by enabling new business models and providing key competitive advantages. We believe these developments will ultimately drive greater market confidence and benefit the post-crisis world.  At Motorola , we recognize the immense challenges ahead and look forward to contributing innovative solutions to the best advantage of the global community, our shareholders, employees, and customers."

John Chambers, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Cisco
"We are deeply committed to the mission and values of the World Economic Forum. This annual meeting is a chance to gain insight and collaborate, bringing together the multiple stakeholders needed to find practical solutions to the challenging issues we face today."

"2009 must be the year where world leaders will come together and take decisive and collective action to combat climate change and pave the way for the creation of tomorrow's low carbon society"
Anders Fogh Rasmussen, Prime Minister of Denmark

"Labour Leaders view Davos as an excellent annual opportunity to engage on the global economy with other stakeholders. Our Statement at Davos last year pointed to dangerous instability in the global economy but most of those present did not respond to this and other warnings of impending economic crisis.  We are putting forward comprehensive and realistic solutions on growth, decent work, proper regulation and climate change. We challenge governments, business and global institutions to engage with us and put this into effect. This year, Davos will help us to find out if they are ready to correct the massive mistakes of the past."
Guy Ryder, General Secretary, International Trade Union Confederation

"As a leading conglomerate in Turkey and a Strategic Partner to the Forum, it is our priority to contribute to the discussions of the international arena shaping the new world order. We are going through an era of changing political, economic and social architecture. "A leader is a dealer in hope" as Napoleon Bonaparte quotes; we believe that the current age of turmoil will only be surpassed with coordination, cooperation and collaboration. Organized by the visionary members of World Economic Forum, the Annual Meeting in Davos provides the unique platform to design the new business environment."
Ferit F. Sahenk, Chairman, Dogus Group

"The financial crisis is causing every business and government to take a fresh look at their business.  There is no other global forum like Davos, which brings together leaders from all areas of private industry and public policy to share the ideas and vision that are needed in these critical times.  It is an invaluable opportunity to gain new perspectives as we think beyond the current challenges to how we deliver more value to our clients, create greater trust and transparency in markets and live up to our commitment to support communities around the world."
Timothy P. Flynn, Chairman, KPMG International, and Chairman KPMG in the US

"Davos offers a unique opportunity to meet the leaders who shape how the world works. It's a chance to influence their views about poverty and development and help them understand how the decisions they make can have such dramatic impact on poor people."
Barbara Stocking, Chief Executive, Oxfam GB

"The case for a regulated world economy and multilateral governance is made forcefully by the financial crisis. At Davos 2009, we should renew our commitment to equitable global rules and institutions, and participation of all developing countries in international economic decision-making and norm setting. Countries, like Pakistan, because of their strategic location, size and trained manpower can make significant contributions to restart the global economy. My message at WEF 2009 is: Pakistan= linking regions, catalyzing growth. We see Pakistan as a regional hub of economic activity. Doing business in Pakistan allows doing business with a region with immense economic potential. "
Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani, Prime Minister of Pakistan

"Growth will be subdued - we'll come out of this recession but the recovery will be relatively anemic compared with recoveries of the past. But hopefully it will be a period where we deal with the massive imbalances that have built up over the last year. I think the new financial governance will involve much greater transparency, more sound underwriting practices, greater accountability and more emphasis on risk management, but also more regulatory and policy vigilance on the part of central banks and market overseers who, in my opinion, really dropped the ball over most of the past 10 years."
Stephen S. Roach, Chairman, Morgan Stanley, Asia

"Accenture values the opportunity to discuss the strategic questions our clients face today. We are keen to participate fully in the debate on how businesses and governments can plan effectively for both the short term and the long term. At Davos I'd like to share Accenture's ideas for finding cost efficiency and growth through a more sustainable future-and show why, in an increasingly interdependent multi-polar economy, we think companies need to continually create geographic options, become authentic local players, and propel their people and know-how across smart, enabling, global organizations."
Mark Foster, Group Chief Executive, Management Consulting and Integrated Markets Accenture, United Kingdom

"As a CEO of a global growth company from China, I am looking forward to participating in the upcoming Annual Meeting 2009 in Davos at such a critical time of global financial crisis. I think this is a terrific opportunity for me to listen to the opinions from politicians, scholars, economists, and business leaders from around the world on the trends of world economy, and share the experiences on risk management, leadership development and innovation. Personally, I'm much more concerned about what are the substantial effects of this ongoing financial crisis and how they will impact those emerging markets."

Dr Liu Jiren, Chairman and CEO, Neusoft Corporation

"These are unprecedented times and our global community has never been more interdependent.  The need for effective collaboration, coordination, cooperation and communication has never been greater. It is the power of collaboration and learning that enables constructive solutions to be debated and developed for the benefit of communities everywhere. 

The better we understand the perspective of our colleagues, the more effective we will be in leading our organizations in these turbulent times. I look forward to joining in the dialogue with other leaders at Davos. The world is looking for solutions, and Deloitte, with operations from Cape Town to Calgary, is proud to offer our perspective to this great challenge at the 2009 Annual Meeting." 
Jim Quigley, Global Chief Executive Officer, Deloitte

"With the very foundations of the global economic system being shaken to its roots, it is even more vital that international leaders collaborate to address the economic crisis and the humanitarian needs exacerbated by it. The World Economic Forum is a unique venue where international NGOs have opportunity to engage political, business leaders and functional experts of all sectors critical to addressing the needs of vulnerable children and communities.  At Davos, NGOs can remind these leaders that fulfilling their obligations to the global humanitarian imperative is not optional, but rather a touchstone requirement for creating a more robust and just economic future for all segments of our global society."
Dean Hirsch, President, World Vision International

"Davos 2009 will take place at a critical time for the world economy. In the interdependent world we live in, no one nation, or organization, can address the multiple dimensions of today's financial crisis. A new international order is being created and Davos, by bringing together leaders from government, industry and civil society, presents a unique opportunity to map out solutions to the complex, transformational, global challenges facing us."
H.E. Mohammad Al Gergawi, Chairman, Dubai Holding

"Chevron seeks to be the global energy company most admired for its people, partnerships and performance. Central to this vision, is our goal of providing energy products, vital to sustainable economic progress and human development around the world. Multi - stakeholder dialogue - the cornerstone of the Annual Meeting - is critical to addressing global challenges concerning economic development, the environment and resource sustainability."
Rhonda Zygocki, Vice President for Policy, Government and Public Affairs. Chevron Corporation

"It's all going to be about globalization and where we go from here. We've had a globalized economy and markets over the past few years and that's been brought into question given the financial crisis. There's no going back. Given the financial crisis, I can't think of a better time for us all to be together. Investor confidence more than anything has been lost throughout the crisis. We've got to work together as global leaders to determine how to restore it."
Duncan Niederauer, CEO, NYSE Euronext

"The need for tighter regulation in one industry may threaten another. The mobile industry is poised to be part of the economic solution by investing in ubiquitous mobile broadband networks that can boost ICT enabled productivity gains, innovation and job creation. Rather than constrain the mobile industry's investment capacity, governments should unleash the economic and social windfall that mobile broadband will create by releasing new spectrum, halting harmful regulation and encouraging private capital to be invested for the long term benefit of all. There is no better place than Davos to kick start the process of accelerated economic recovery."
Alexander Izosimov, Chief Executive Officer, AO VimpelCom

"The current financial and economic crisis is a stark indication of just how closely interconnected our economies and financial and political systems have become. Challenging periods such as this highlight the importance of maintaining a dialogue between international business leaders, politicians, academics and representatives of civil society - and where better to promote this dialogue than in Davos? The 'Spirit of Davos' that characterizes the World Economic Forum is based on many of the qualities and values that Credit Suisse also represents: strong Swiss roots combined with a distinctly global perspective, a solid heritage with a long tradition of excellence, and an innovative and flexible approach to today's constantly changing environment."
Walter B. Kielholz, Chairman Credit Suisse Group

"There can be no more important time for the world's leading thinkers and decision-makers to gather at Davos. Human beings are optimistic, with a natural instinct for creative thinking and problem solving. As companies the world over face challenges in 2009, our collective challenge will be to create the solutions that help them manage through the downturn. At MMC, we help companies identify and mitigate the spectrum of risks they face. Through our contributions to the Forum's Global Risks 2009 and Future of the Global Financial System reports and beyond, we look forward to the innovative thought and constructive dialogue that Davos has come to characterize."
Brian Duperreault, President and Chief Executive Officer, Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc (MMC)

If outstanding leadership is revealed only in adverse conditions, then this crisis is the biggest test in living memory.And when we assess how well we adapted to these conditions, questions of talent and leadership will be central - how well we directed and inspired our internal resources, how compassionately we let people go, how successfully we planned our leadership needs beyond the current crisis. The Annual Meeting 2009 is uniquely valuable, because it gives us the opportunity to help each other answer the questions which will define us as world leaders."
Kevin Kelly, CEO, Heidrick & Struggles

"The World Economic Forum for us is more than just a one time a year event. We participate in the forums across many regions and the reason we do is because the topics of labour and collaboration are integral not only to these forums, but to the world's economic growth."
Jeffrey Joerres, Chairman and CEO, Manpower Inc.

"We have to look at the global agenda in its totality and so we will focus on the economy as well as the other  
global challenges holistically and with a long-term perspective so we can come to solutions that can really help to improve the state of the world."
Lee Howell , Senior Director, Head of Programming, and Senior Adviser on Asia

"The current crisis provides clear evidence of the close interlinkage between the nations and economic regions of our globalized world. Many emerging countries are being impacted just as heavily as the United States or Europe. We must therefore involve all stakeholders in the search for new solutions and create the conditions for implementing them. Davos offers an ideal discussion forum for this purpose. It has often provided a major stimulus in the past, and in January 2009 it should again send out clear signals: that risks must be more carefully managed and that countries and companies must apply common principles in order to establish a business ethic based on sustainability. We need to shape globalization more deliberately if we are to benefit from the tremendous opportunities it offers."
Werner Wenning, Chairman of the Board of Management, Bayer AG; Co-Chair, Annual Meeting 2009

"There are complicated, international problems and the World Economic Forum is a very good platform for not only for government, but also for NGOs and industry to address them."
Jeroen Van der Veer, Chief Executive, Royal Dutch Shell; Co-Chair, Annual Meeting 2009

"The great strength of the World Economic Forum is its ability to bring sometimes disparate stakeholders together: To convene a dialogue, and to commence action. This is why PepsiCo has been involved with the Forum for many years and why I served as a Co-Chair of last year's Annual Meeting."
Indra Nooyi, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, PepsiCo

"Davos fills the vital need for a global and dialogue-based platform where knowledgeable and empowered stakeholders can collaborate to address issues of common criticality. I can't think of a better time and a better reason to be at Davos."
Anand Mahindra, Vice-Chairman and Managing Director, Mahindra & Mahindra, India; Co-Chair, Annual Meeting 2009

"Individual company decisions cannot be made without taking into account broader economic, geopolitical, and environmental factors. I incorporate insights from Davos into our working sessions and share them with my clients."
Orit Gadiesh, Chairman, Bain & Company; World Economic Forum Foundation Board Member

"It's no secret that we are facing the most challenging global economic conditions in generations.  To address these challenges, many will be tempted to turn inward.  History, however, warns us that raising trade barriers during times of economic anxiety will only fuel further domestic and international economic decline. We must come together at the World Economic Forum in Davos to ignite economic recovery and strengthen development.  During its 35-year history, FedEx has provided the world's citizens with unparalleled access to the global marketplace. We again join the Forum to champion open markets, knock down barriers to trade, and build consensus to generate opportunity, growth and prosperity throughout the world."
Michael L. Ducker, President, International, FedEx Express

"The World Economic Forum is an ideal platform to meet peers, policy makers and other organizations from all over the world to exchange ideas and experience and to learn. I am expecting the upcoming annual meeting of 2009 to be mostly focused on finding common solutions to the global economic crisis that we are facing. The fact that so many governments and policy makers will be attending the Meeting is laudable; however one should not forget the voice of business and I hope that we will also have a real dialogue on all important issues facing the world, including protectionism, energy and the environment."
Jacob Wallenberg, Chairman, Investor AB

Participants speak about the Annual Meeting (World Economic Forum)