Day 2 of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos saw a blend of celebrity advocacy, economic discussions, and environmental protests. Here are the key takeaways:
David Beckham Advocates for Girls’ Empowerment
English football legend David Beckham made his WEF debut with a call to action on girls’ education and empowerment. Speaking as part of his UNICEF philanthropy efforts, Beckham emphasized, “When you empower a young girl, it uplifts their family and their community. And that’s good for the world.” He received a philanthropy award for his work with children globally, underscoring his commitment to addressing gender disparities.
Trump’s Return and a New Chapter for Cryptocurrencies
The return of Donald Trump to U.S. politics has sparked optimism among cryptocurrency supporters. Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong declared it a “new dawn” for digital currencies, citing Trump’s recent pro-crypto stance and his pledge to ease regulations on the sector. Armstrong noted the hostility faced by the industry in the last four years but expressed hope for a more supportive environment moving forward.
Global Leaders Defend Free Trade Amid Rising Protectionism
With global trade tensions looming, leaders at the forum highlighted the need for multilateralism and free trade. Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang warned against protectionism, while German Chancellor Olaf Scholz reaffirmed his commitment to defending free trade as a foundation of global prosperity.
Environmental Activists Make Their Presence Felt
Protests against inequality and climate inaction continued to disrupt the forum. Greenpeace activists unfurled a banner in the main hall demanding taxes on the super-rich to fund a green future. Earlier, Oxfam demonstrators blocked access to the Davos heliport, and Amazon’s pavilion was targeted with green paint in a protest against fossil fuel subsidies.
Elon Musk Under Fire
Germany’s Chancellor Scholz criticized Elon Musk for his support of Germany’s far-right AfD party, sparking fresh debate about the tech mogul’s political influence. Separately, OpenAI CFO Sarah Friar expressed frustration over Musk’s legal challenges against the company, accusing him of engaging in “lawfare” to stifle competition.
The WEF continues to serve as a melting pot for global dialogue, with business leaders, policymakers, and activists addressing pressing issues from economic inequalities to climate change.
