Why bother about this year’s Davos and the Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum?
World Economic Forum opening a window for discussion? Copyright by World Economic Forum
Especially, as one of the impressions I got from this year’s meeting was the feeling of helplessness in the discussions on how to tackle the economic crisis. I think that this challenge the world is facing needs to come with the recognition for two dominating aspects of the solution, and that might scare some to take the next step: one being the need for letting go of conventional approaches; and the other being the request for a new openness and transparency.
At least, questions of ethics and accountability have been included in the agenda this year. But, the promise of this new era of responsibility has to be monitored by everyone. Where, in the era of social media, are the masses on the streets, holding the people responsible accountable?
Sometimes I might sound too optimistic, but I think there has been some interesting input through social media. And while these channels still seem very much a side event, have a look at:
- Nearly 80,000 viewers have watched the video of the Forum’s youtube-contest by Colombian Pablo Camacho, 24, discussing the need for a n International Code of Ethics for CEO’s. His suggestions may not be taken up right away, but can serve as a perfect motto for 2009: “Make money, but do not harm others”.
- And also have a look at the impact of social media at Davos, and especially of Twitter, via this nice sum-up by James Conell on the New York Times.
Here you can find the official page of all social media channels by the WEF. And here Transparency International’s requests to the world’s leaders.
Tags: CEO, code of ethics, corporate, Davos, ethics, responsibility, social media, transparency, WEF
