U.S. President Donald Trump, teenage climate activist Greta Thunberg, U.S. trade deal with China, global economy & Huawei CEO readiness to tackle further U.S. attacks on the firm dominate the proceeding in day 1 of the Davos 2020 summit.

Gravitas: Day 1 Of Davos 2020 — Key Takeaways

<p>Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday addressed a special session in World Economic Forum.</p>

<p>Speaking at Davos, Khan spoke about various topics ranging from climate change to Pakistan cash-strapped economy.</p>

<p>"Always wanted my country to be a welfare state," he said adding, that "Pakistan will only partner with another country in peace."</p>

<p>"Pakistan cannot grow its economy without peace and stability," Khan said.</p>

<p>"We have gone through a very tough economic period and people are hurting," he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kha also&nbsp;said that the country's economy has "suffered" because of war in Afghanistan and " now we hope to return to growth".</p>

<p>Speaking about climate change, Khan said that his country "will plant as many trees as possible" to deal with the consequence of the continuous deteriorating climate situation.</p>

<p>The address comes a day after Khan held a meeting with US President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the event.</p>

<p>Among the various topics, Afghanistan was also a major point of discussion between the two countries.</p>

<p>"The major concern is Afghanistan between us and fortunately we are on the same page," PM Imran Khan asserted.</p>

<p>The meeting between President Trump and PM Imran Khan was the third leadership-level interaction between the United States and Pakistan leaders since Khan's visit to Washington in July last year.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday addressed a special session in World Economic Forum. Speaking at Davos, Khan spoke about various topics ranging from climate change to Pakistan cash-strapped economy.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday addressed a special session in World Economic Forum. Speaking at Davos, Khan spoke about various topics ranging from climate change to Pakistan cash-strapped economy. "Always wanted my country to be a welfare state," he said adding, that "Pakistan will only partner with another country in peace." "Pakistan cannot grow its economy without peace and stability," Khan said. "We have gone through a very tough economic period and people are hurting," he said. Kha also said that the country's economy has "suffered" because of war in Afghanistan and " now we hope to return to growth". Speaking about climate change, Khan said that his country "will plant as many trees as possible" to deal with the consequence of the continuous deteriorating climate situation. The address comes a day after Khan held a meeting with US President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the event. Among the various topics, Afghanistan was also a major point of discussion between the two countries. "The major concern is Afghanistan between us and fortunately we are on the same page," PM Imran Khan asserted. The meeting between President Trump and PM Imran Khan was the third leadership-level interaction between the United States and Pakistan leaders since Khan's visit to Washington in July last year.

Pakistan has gone through 'very tough economic period': PM Imran Khan at Davos

Speaking at an event at the World Economic Forum, Pichai said it was important to be clear-eyed about what could go wrong with AI, and while it promised huge benefits there were real concerns about potential negative consequences.

Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai speaks at 50th WEF

Speaking to the media in presence of Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, Trump said, "We are talking about Kashmir in relation to what is going on with Pakistan and India. If we can help, we certainly will be helping."

Imran Khan, Trump discuss Kashmir at Davos

<p>On Monday, Indian actress Deepika Padukone was honoured with the annual Crystal Award at World Economic Forum (WEF) 2020 in Davos, Switzerland for her contribution in spreading awareness around mental health.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Deepika is the only Indian actress to have received such an honour at Davos summit.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
While receiving the award, Deepika spoke about her own struggles battling depression and anxiety and assured scores, mental health patients, that they were 'not alone'. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/deepika-padukone-international-awards-275659#deepika-padukone-wins-big-at-davos-275643">In pics:&nbsp;6 times Deepika Padukone was awarded internationally for her work beyond cinema</a></p>

<p>"My love and hate relationship with this has taught me a lot and I want to tell everyone suffering from this that you are not alone," she said.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
"One trillion dollars is the estimated impact of depression and mental illness on the world economy," she said while receiving the annual Crystal Award on the first evening of the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting 2020.</p>

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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B7jq7msjbd5/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">GRATITUDE!🙏🏽 #crystalaward2020 #wef2020 @tlllfoundation</a></p>

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<p>"In the time it has taken me to accept this award, the world has lost one more person to suicide. That person may have been a father, a mother, a son or daughter, a brother or sister, a friend, a family member or a colleague. Every 40 seconds one person dies by suicide somewhere in the world." she said.<br />
<br />
Dressed in a blue gown with her hair pulled back, Deepika kept her look for the evening classy and understated.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
"Depression is a common yet serious illness. It is important to understand that anxiety and depression is like any other illness and treatable. It was experience with this illness that encouraged me to set up Live Love Laugh," she said mentioning the foundation she has set up for this cause.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">As <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/wef20?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#wef20</a> gets underway, <a href="https://twitter.com/deepikapadukone?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@deepikapadukone</a> stresses the importance of addressing mental health issues when building a more sustainable and inclusive world.<a href="https://twitter.com/TLLLFoundation?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TLLLFoundation</a><br />
<br />
Find out more: <a href="https://t.co/yja3lFKDLN">https://t.co/yja3lFKDLN</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/healthyfutures?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#healthyfutures</a> <a href="https://t.co/7p0U3AoDpR">pic.twitter.com/7p0U3AoDpR</a></p>
— World Economic Forum (@wef) <a href="https://twitter.com/wef/status/1219329870624428032?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 20, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>The actor received the award on the Martin Luther King Day and quoted the civil rights activist in her acceptance speech."For in the words of Martin Luther King, everything that is done in this world is done with hope," she said.</p>

<p>Deepika was given the award for her leadership in raising mental health awareness -- which she did by going public a few years back with her own experience with anxiety and depression. Also&nbsp;<br />
<br />
She later set up her own foundation to provide awareness programs in schools in India, funding for free psychiatric treatment, medical education programs, public awareness campaigns and more.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The actress also recently turned producer with her film <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/chhapaak-review-deepika-padukones-film-is-gut-wrenching-but-important-273132">'Chhapaak'.</a> Directed by Meghna Gulzar and co-starring Vikrant Massey, the film earned critical praise for talking about acid-attack survivors but the film failed to make a mark at the box office.&nbsp;</p>


On Monday, Indian actress Deepika Padukone was honoured with the annual Crystal Award at World Economic Forum (WEF) 2020 in Davos, Switzerland for her contribution in spreading awareness around mental health.

On Monday, Indian actress Deepika Padukone was honoured with the annual Crystal Award at World Economic Forum (WEF) 2020 in Davos, Switzerland for her contribution in spreading awareness around mental health. Deepika is the only Indian actress to have received such an honour at Davos summit. While receiving the award, Deepika spoke about her own struggles battling depression and anxiety and assured scores, mental health patients, that they were 'not alone'. In pics: 6 times Deepika Padukone was awarded internationally for her work beyond cinema "My love and hate relationship with this has taught me a lot and I want to tell everyone suffering from this that you are not alone," she said. "One trillion dollars is the estimated impact of depression and mental illness on the world economy," she said while receiving the annual Crystal Award on the first evening of the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting 2020. View this post on Instagram GRATITUDE!🙏🏽 #crystalaward2020 #wef2020 @tlllfoundation A post shared by Malti (@deepikapadukone) on Jan 20, 2020 at 1:57pm PST × "In the time it has taken me to accept this award, the world has lost one more person to suicide. That person may have been a father, a mother, a son or daughter, a brother or sister, a friend, a family member or a colleague. Every 40 seconds one person dies by suicide somewhere in the world." she said. Dressed in a blue gown with her hair pulled back, Deepika kept her look for the evening classy and understated. "Depression is a common yet serious illness. It is important to understand that anxiety and depression is like any other illness and treatable. It was experience with this illness that encouraged me to set up Live Love Laugh," she said mentioning the foundation she has set up for this cause. As #wef20 gets underway, @deepikapadukone stresses the importance of addressing mental health issues when building a more sustainable and inclusive world.@TLLLFoundation Find out more: https://t.co/yja3lFKDLN #healthyfutures pic.twitter.com/7p0U3AoDpR — World Economic Forum (@wef) January 20, 2020 × The actor received the award on the Martin Luther King Day and quoted the civil rights activist in her acceptance speech."For in the words of Martin Luther King, everything that is done in this world is done with hope," she said. Deepika was given the award for her leadership in raising mental health awareness -- which she did by going public a few years back with her own experience with anxiety and depression. Also She later set up her own foundation to provide awareness programs in schools in India, funding for free psychiatric treatment, medical education programs, public awareness campaigns and more. The actress also recently turned producer with her film 'Chhapaak'. Directed by Meghna Gulzar and co-starring Vikrant Massey, the film earned critical praise for talking about acid-attack survivors but the film failed to make a mark at the box office.

Deepika Padukone receives Crystal award at Davos, says depression is common yet serious illness

The four day World Economic Forum will kick off on January 21 at Davos in Switzerland. World leaders, politicians, celebrities, chief executives will assemble in Davos and witness the exchange of economic, social and environmental concerns on its 50th assembly.

Four day World Economic Forum in Davos kicks off today

“The environment to me is very important,” Trump said after a 30-minute speech aimed more at a domestic audience than the business leaders and policymakers gathered in Switzerland.

WION Fineprint: Trump speaks on Climate Change crisis

The youngest climate activist Greta Thunberg speaks her words at World Economic Forum 2020 at Switzerland's Davos. She said 'Nothing has been done' to tackle climate change. Listen to her full speech here.

WEF 2020: Climate activist Greta Thunberg's message at Davos forum

The 50th World Economic Forum (WEF) has kicked off in the Swiss city of Davos, with an agenda that is focused heavily on climate change, as world leaders struggle to tackle the crisis. Here US President Donald Trump delivers a keynote. Watch it.

'Nothing short of spectacular' claims Trump over US economic success in Davos

Donald Trump delivers keynote address at WEF 2020

Climate change is one of the major crisis that is emerging at a faster rate. The World Economic Forum 2020 is taking place in Davos, Switzerland. The world should be given greater education on climate change and the planets younger generation is discussing this major crisis at the youngest panel discussion at Davos. Watch report:

Watch youngest panel discussion on climate change in Davos

Indian actress Deepika Padukone, who has been an advocate of mental health awareness and has been extensively working towards de-stigmatising mental illness, was rewarded for her work at World Economic Forum's Crystal Award ceremony, held in Davos on January 20. The actress was presented the award by Hilde Schwab, Chairwoman and co-founder of the World Economic Forum's World Art's Forum. Deepika Padukone runs the Live Love Laugh Foundation, which aims to help those struggling with their mental health. She came out in 2015 as having battled depression.

Deepika Padukone rewarded for her work at World Economic Forum in Davos

This year's edition of the World Economic Forum starting on January 21 is a costly affair. Some of the most influential people across all walks of life across the world will discuss key global issues. But what does the Davos summit actually achieve? This report explores

Gravitas: Davos Summit: A Carnival Of Extravaganza?

World leaders, chief executives, thinkers and celebrities are gathering in the Swiss mountain town of Davos for the World Economic Forum’s annual meeting.

World Economic Forum 2020 to be held in Switzerland's Davos

<p>India's trade minister will not meet with his Malaysian counterpart in Davos next week because of his tight schedule, an Indian trade ministry official said on Sunday, as a spat simmers between the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/malaysian-pm-expresses-concern-after-india-puts-curbs-on-palm-oil-imports-274231">top buyer of palm oil and its biggest supplier</a>.</p>

<p>Hindu-majority India has repeatedly objected to Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad speaking out against a new citizenship law which critics say discriminate against Muslims.</p>

<p>Malaysia, a Muslim-majority nation, is the second biggest producer and exporter of palm oil and India's restrictions on the refined variety of the commodity imposed last week have been seen as a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/india-puts-curbs-on-palm-oil-imports-from-malaysia-following-pm-mahathir-mohamad-caa-remark-273134">retaliation for Mahathir's criticism of New Delhi</a>.</p>

<p>A Malaysian government spokesman said on Friday that trade ministers from India and Malaysia could meet on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum's annual meeting in Davos.</p>

<p>But the Indian trade ministry official, who said he was speaking on behalf of the ministry, said no meeting was planned between India's Piyush Goyal and Malaysia's Darell Leiking.</p>

<p><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/india-palm-import-curbs-to-start-malaysia-indonesia-price-war-souces-273149">India palm import curbs to start Malaysia, Indonesia price war</a></strong></p>

<p>"I can tell you fair and square there's no meeting between the Malaysian minister and the Indian trade minister at Davos," he said, asking not to be named as he was not a government spokesman.</p>

<p>"As part of a larger meeting of trade ministers they may be both together, but there's no meeting. The schedule is already finalised, and it's full."</p>

<p>India last week imposed curbs on refined palm oil, which a source in New Delhi with direct knowledge of the matter said could be used to deny or delay imports from Malaysia. India has been Malaysia's top palm market for five years.</p>

<p>The row dragged benchmark Malaysian palm futures to their biggest weekly decline in more than 11 years on Friday.</p>

<p>Malaysia's Leiking has sent a message to Goyal wishing him well for the Davos meeting, according to the message reviewed by Reuters.</p>

<p>Spokespeople for the trade ministries of India and Malaysia did not immediately respond to queries from Reuters.</p>

<p>Mahathir, the world's oldest premier at 94 and one of the Muslim world's biggest voices, has said he would continue to speak out against "wrong things" even if his words cost his country financially.</p>

<p>"Why is he harming his own country by his erratic actions?" the Indian official said, referring to Mahathir. "The comments he's making are very unprecedented."</p>

<p>Responding to a question on India's new religion-based citizenship law, Mahathir said last month the country was trying to "deprive some Muslims of their citizenship". At the U.N. General Assembly in September, he said India had "invaded and occupied" Kashmir, a disputed Muslim-majority region also claimed by Pakistan.</p>


India's trade minister will not meet with his Malaysian counterpart in Davos next week because of his tight schedule, an Indian trade ministry official said on Sunday, as a spat simmers between the top buyer of palm oil and its biggest supplier.

India's trade minister will not meet with his Malaysian counterpart in Davos next week because of his tight schedule, an Indian trade ministry official said on Sunday, as a spat simmers between the top buyer of palm oil and its biggest supplier. Hindu-majority India has repeatedly objected to Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad speaking out against a new citizenship law which critics say discriminate against Muslims. Malaysia, a Muslim-majority nation, is the second biggest producer and exporter of palm oil and India's restrictions on the refined variety of the commodity imposed last week have been seen as a retaliation for Mahathir's criticism of New Delhi. A Malaysian government spokesman said on Friday that trade ministers from India and Malaysia could meet on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum's annual meeting in Davos. But the Indian trade ministry official, who said he was speaking on behalf of the ministry, said no meeting was planned between India's Piyush Goyal and Malaysia's Darell Leiking. Also read: India palm import curbs to start Malaysia, Indonesia price war "I can tell you fair and square there's no meeting between the Malaysian minister and the Indian trade minister at Davos," he said, asking not to be named as he was not a government spokesman. "As part of a larger meeting of trade ministers they may be both together, but there's no meeting. The schedule is already finalised, and it's full." India last week imposed curbs on refined palm oil, which a source in New Delhi with direct knowledge of the matter said could be used to deny or delay imports from Malaysia. India has been Malaysia's top palm market for five years. The row dragged benchmark Malaysian palm futures to their biggest weekly decline in more than 11 years on Friday. Malaysia's Leiking has sent a message to Goyal wishing him well for the Davos meeting, according to the message reviewed by Reuters. Spokespeople for the trade ministries of India and Malaysia did not immediately respond to queries from Reuters. Mahathir, the world's oldest premier at 94 and one of the Muslim world's biggest voices, has said he would continue to speak out against "wrong things" even if his words cost his country financially. "Why is he harming his own country by his erratic actions?" the Indian official said, referring to Mahathir. "The comments he's making are very unprecedented." Responding to a question on India's new religion-based citizenship law, Mahathir said last month the country was trying to "deprive some Muslims of their citizenship". At the U.N. General Assembly in September, he said India had "invaded and occupied" Kashmir, a disputed Muslim-majority region also claimed by Pakistan.

As palm row simmers, India says no meeting with Malaysia in Davos

Greta Thunberg marched ahead of the World Economic Forum in Davos with thousands of climate activists in the western Swiss city of Lausanne on Friday.

Greta Thunberg joined by thousands of Swiss activist in Climate March

<p>The US&nbsp;Treasury Secretary <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-treasury-secretary-mnuchin-says-trade-deal-with-china-to-boost-global-economy-268327">Steven Mnuchin</a> will lead a group of US officials who will attend the World Economic Forum later this month in Davos, Switzerland, the White House said Wednesday.</p>

<p>Also attending will be Keith Krach, a State Department undersecretary for growth, energy and the environment, and Christopher Liddell, a White House deputy chief of staff.</p>

<p>Reuters reported on December&nbsp;17 that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kim-a-man-of-his-word-on-denuclearization-donald-trump-271377">President Donald Trump</a> planned to attend the annual Davos economic forum, citing a source familiar with the plan. A White House official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said on Wednesday that Trump is still expected to attend at this time.</p>

<p>In 2019, Trump had to cancel his plan to attend the annual gathering of global economic and world leaders due to a government shutdown. He attended the Davos forum in 2018.</p>

<p>The World Economic Forum in the Swiss ski resort town is scheduled to run January&nbsp;21-24.</p>

<p>Events in Congress could affect the Republican president's attendance at the event.</p>

<p>Trump, who became the third American president to be impeached on December&nbsp;18, faces a trial on charges of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress once House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, a Democrat, sends the charges - called articles of impeachment - to the Republican-controlled Senate.</p>

<p>A dispute between Pelosi and Senate Leader Mitch McConnell over how the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-senator-schumer-outlines-documents-he-wants-for-impeachment-trial-269912">trial</a> will be conducted arose after the Democratic-controlled House of Representatives impeached Trump.</p>


The US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin will lead a group of US officials who will attend the World Economic Forum later this month in Davos, Switzerland, the White House said Wednesday.

The US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin will lead a group of US officials who will attend the World Economic Forum later this month in Davos, Switzerland, the White House said Wednesday. Also attending will be Keith Krach, a State Department undersecretary for growth, energy and the environment, and Christopher Liddell, a White House deputy chief of staff. Reuters reported on December 17 that President Donald Trump planned to attend the annual Davos economic forum, citing a source familiar with the plan. A White House official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said on Wednesday that Trump is still expected to attend at this time. In 2019, Trump had to cancel his plan to attend the annual gathering of global economic and world leaders due to a government shutdown. He attended the Davos forum in 2018. The World Economic Forum in the Swiss ski resort town is scheduled to run January 21-24. Events in Congress could affect the Republican president's attendance at the event. Trump, who became the third American president to be impeached on December 18, faces a trial on charges of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress once House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, a Democrat, sends the charges - called articles of impeachment - to the Republican-controlled Senate. A dispute between Pelosi and Senate Leader Mitch McConnell over how the trial will be conducted arose after the Democratic-controlled House of Representatives impeached Trump.

Treasury's Mnuchin to head US delegation to Davos conclave

PM Modi Discusses Bilateral Ties With King Salman, Addresses 'Davos In The Desert' As India, Saudi Arabia Seal Several Deals.

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<p>China and Germany Wednesday defended global cooperation against the temptation of populism at the Davos forum of the world's business elite, but a Swedish teenager emerged as the unlikely star after her urgent calls for climate action inspired schoolchildren around the world.</p>

<p>Reactions against a longer-running style of populism also reared up at the annual World Economic Forum (WEF), as Brazil and other regional countries joined the United States in recognising the head of Venezuela's opposition-controlled parliament as interim president, in defiance of firebrand leftist Nicolas Maduro.</p>

<p>President Donald Trump's more recent brand of on-the-edge politics dominated last year's WEF when he came to Davos.</p>

<p>Since then, he has launched a trade war against China and other allies that has rocked the financial markets and sparked fears of a slowdown in the global economy.</p>

<p>Chinese Vice President Wang Qishan hit back in an address to the audience of movers and shakers, which includes some of the world's top chief executives.</p>

<p>"The Chinese and US economies are mutually indispensable, so their relations must be mutually beneficial and win-win," said Wang, who is tasked with negotiating a truce in the trade war.</p>

<p>"This is the reality: neither side can do without the other side," he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The annual conference in the Alpine ski resort was originally expected to be an outlet for talks between the US and China, with a 90-day truce set to end March 1.</p>

<p>But Trump cancelled a return trip to Davos due to the government shutdown in Washington, and the absence of the usually hefty US delegation has been felt in the WEF hallways.</p>

<p>German Chancellor Angela Merkel also defended cooperation among nations, speaking a day after Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro made his first international speech after sweeping to power on a firmly populist line.</p>

<p>"There is (in the world) a current that says I will first look after my own interests, and in the end everyone will be fine," said Merkel, a Davos regular who is preparing to step down by 2020.</p>

<p>"I highly doubt it," she added.</p>

<p>Trump has pulled out of the Paris accord on climate change and assailed international institutions such as NATO, the European Union and World Trade Organization.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But Merkel, who grew up under communist rule in the former East Germany, said: "I stand before you as someone who cherishes multilateral institutions."</p>

<p>For his part, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said Europe, Japan and the United States should "join forces" to review the rules of free trade.</p>

<p>"I call on everyone to rebuild confidence in the international trading system," he said at the forum.</p>

<p>European leaders as a whole came to Davos under the cloud of Brexit, with Britain's plan to divorce from the European Union blocked in parliament.</p>

<p>Prime Minister Theresa May pulled out of the conference to handle Brexit as did the EU's chief negotiator Michel Barnier, both eager to avoid a "no deal" exit on March 29.</p>

<p>But May's international trade secretary, Liam Fox, made the trip to reassure investors about Britain's post-Brexit future.</p>

<p>Shrugging off announcements that Sony and Dyson are relocating premises abroad, Fox told AFP in Davos that "clearly the UK is open for business and is an attractive destination".</p>

<p>But it was teenage climate crusader Greta Thunberg who drew the most interest, swamped by camera crews as she arrived in Davos after a 32-hour train trip from her home in Sweden.</p>

<p>The 16-year-old grabbed the headlines with a fiery speech before world leaders at last month's UN climate talks in Poland. She has galvanised protests by high-schoolers around the world demanding stronger government action to fight global warming.</p>

<p>Thunberg told AFP that she was under no illusion that all of the audience in Davos would voluntarily heed her call to action.</p>

<p>"They have known exactly what priceless values they have been sacrificing to continue making unimaginable amounts of money," she said, insisting it was time for young people "to get angry" and demand that adults clean up the mess they have made.</p>

<p>U2 frontman Bono, a Davos regular, meanwhile provided his usual dose of rock-n-roll rebellion to the forum's jet set.</p>

<p>"Capitalism is not immoral, it's amoral," the singer told a panel.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It's a wild beast and if not tamed, it can chew up a lot of people along the way," he said.</p>


China and Germany Wednesday defended global cooperation against the temptation of populism at the Davos forum of the world's business elite, but a Swedish teenager emerged as the unlikely star after her urgent calls for climate action inspired schoolchildren around the world.

China and Germany Wednesday defended global cooperation against the temptation of populism at the Davos forum of the world's business elite, but a Swedish teenager emerged as the unlikely star after her urgent calls for climate action inspired schoolchildren around the world. Reactions against a longer-running style of populism also reared up at the annual World Economic Forum (WEF), as Brazil and other regional countries joined the United States in recognising the head of Venezuela's opposition-controlled parliament as interim president, in defiance of firebrand leftist Nicolas Maduro. President Donald Trump's more recent brand of on-the-edge politics dominated last year's WEF when he came to Davos. Since then, he has launched a trade war against China and other allies that has rocked the financial markets and sparked fears of a slowdown in the global economy. Chinese Vice President Wang Qishan hit back in an address to the audience of movers and shakers, which includes some of the world's top chief executives. "The Chinese and US economies are mutually indispensable, so their relations must be mutually beneficial and win-win," said Wang, who is tasked with negotiating a truce in the trade war. "This is the reality: neither side can do without the other side," he said. The annual conference in the Alpine ski resort was originally expected to be an outlet for talks between the US and China, with a 90-day truce set to end March 1. But Trump cancelled a return trip to Davos due to the government shutdown in Washington, and the absence of the usually hefty US delegation has been felt in the WEF hallways. German Chancellor Angela Merkel also defended cooperation among nations, speaking a day after Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro made his first international speech after sweeping to power on a firmly populist line. "There is (in the world) a current that says I will first look after my own interests, and in the end everyone will be fine," said Merkel, a Davos regular who is preparing to step down by 2020. "I highly doubt it," she added. Trump has pulled out of the Paris accord on climate change and assailed international institutions such as NATO, the European Union and World Trade Organization. But Merkel, who grew up under communist rule in the former East Germany, said: "I stand before you as someone who cherishes multilateral institutions." For his part, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said Europe, Japan and the United States should "join forces" to review the rules of free trade. "I call on everyone to rebuild confidence in the international trading system," he said at the forum. European leaders as a whole came to Davos under the cloud of Brexit, with Britain's plan to divorce from the European Union blocked in parliament. Prime Minister Theresa May pulled out of the conference to handle Brexit as did the EU's chief negotiator Michel Barnier, both eager to avoid a "no deal" exit on March 29. But May's international trade secretary, Liam Fox, made the trip to reassure investors about Britain's post-Brexit future. Shrugging off announcements that Sony and Dyson are relocating premises abroad, Fox told AFP in Davos that "clearly the UK is open for business and is an attractive destination". But it was teenage climate crusader Greta Thunberg who drew the most interest, swamped by camera crews as she arrived in Davos after a 32-hour train trip from her home in Sweden. The 16-year-old grabbed the headlines with a fiery speech before world leaders at last month's UN climate talks in Poland. She has galvanised protests by high-schoolers around the world demanding stronger government action to fight global warming. Thunberg told AFP that she was under no illusion that all of the audience in Davos would voluntarily heed her call to action. "They have known exactly what priceless values they have been sacrificing to continue making unimaginable amounts of money," she said, insisting it was time for young people "to get angry" and demand that adults clean up the mess they have made. U2 frontman Bono, a Davos regular, meanwhile provided his usual dose of rock-n-roll rebellion to the forum's jet set. "Capitalism is not immoral, it's amoral," the singer told a panel. "It's a wild beast and if not tamed, it can chew up a lot of people along the way," he said.

At Davos, China and Germany tout openness as teenager plugs climate fight

<p>Britain's Prince William revealed on Wednesday that "not one celebrity" had originally wanted to join a mental health campaign he started in 2016 with his wife Kate and brother Harry.</p>

<p>"We went out to a lot of people and nobody, before we started, was interested in being a part of 'Heads Together' – because it was mental health," he said, speaking on a panel at the World Economic Forum in the Swiss resort of Davos.</p>

<p>William, who is second in line to the British throne, also opened up about his experiences of dealing with trauma during his daily work in the air ambulance, which he retired from two years ago.</p>

<p>Remembering a particularly affecting incident, he said: “I know if I hadn’t taken the action I did then, I would have definitely gone down a slippery slope and I would have been dealing with mental illness on a different level."</p>

<p>His fellow panellist, New Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, praised the prince for speaking out about mental health issues.</p>

<p>Ardern, at 38 the world’s youngest female head of government, has said she will introduce New Zealand's first ‘well-being budget’ to gauge how policy impacts the quality of people’s lives.</p>

<p>"I think unfortunately one of the sad facts for New Zealand is that everyone knows someone who has taken their own life. We're a small country, less than 5 million people, but last year more than 600 people committed suicide," she said.</p>

<p>"I’ve lost friends and I wouldn't have to look far in my cabinet to find others who have as well," Ardern added.</p>

<p>William, who has previously warned British men of the dangers of keeping a traditional "stiff upper lip" at times of stress, said he thought his country’s difficulties with expressing emotions came from a wartime generation who passed on a tendency not to talk about problems.</p>

<p>Asked what he thought leaders should do to tackle mental health issues, William told the Davos crowd: "I think more leaders need to talk about it."</p>


Britain's Prince William revealed on Wednesday that "not one celebrity" had originally wanted to join a mental health campaign he started in 2016 with his wife Kate and brother Harry.

Britain's Prince William revealed on Wednesday that "not one celebrity" had originally wanted to join a mental health campaign he started in 2016 with his wife Kate and brother Harry. "We went out to a lot of people and nobody, before we started, was interested in being a part of 'Heads Together' – because it was mental health," he said, speaking on a panel at the World Economic Forum in the Swiss resort of Davos. William, who is second in line to the British throne, also opened up about his experiences of dealing with trauma during his daily work in the air ambulance, which he retired from two years ago. Remembering a particularly affecting incident, he said: “I know if I hadn’t taken the action I did then, I would have definitely gone down a slippery slope and I would have been dealing with mental illness on a different level." His fellow panellist, New Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, praised the prince for speaking out about mental health issues. Ardern, at 38 the world’s youngest female head of government, has said she will introduce New Zealand's first ‘well-being budget’ to gauge how policy impacts the quality of people’s lives. "I think unfortunately one of the sad facts for New Zealand is that everyone knows someone who has taken their own life. We're a small country, less than 5 million people, but last year more than 600 people committed suicide," she said. "I’ve lost friends and I wouldn't have to look far in my cabinet to find others who have as well," Ardern added. William, who has previously warned British men of the dangers of keeping a traditional "stiff upper lip" at times of stress, said he thought his country’s difficulties with expressing emotions came from a wartime generation who passed on a tendency not to talk about problems. Asked what he thought leaders should do to tackle mental health issues, William told the Davos crowd: "I think more leaders need to talk about it."

Britain's Prince William tackles mental health taboo at Davos

Davos 2019: WION speaks exclusively to Tech Mahindra MD&CEO

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<p>American actor Matt Damon said on Tuesday (January 22) he hoped the financial clout of Davos and his movie star glamour would help bring clean water to millions more via his micro-financing charity.</p>

<p>Damon is a regular at the World Economic Forum (WEF) since co-founding water.org -- a charity that organises micro-loans so the world's poor can pay for their own infrastructure to bring water to their homes.</p>

<p>Many cannot afford the upfront costs of connecting to the water grid but they can afford small loan repayments if someone else puts up the money, he explained.</p>

<p>This year he has meetings lined up with Stella Artois and the Hilton Foundation, both sponsors of the organisation, and he says he has a good news story to sell -- that more than 16 million people now have clean water.</p>

<p>"People want to solve their problems you just have to nudge the market towards them a little bit and they can do the rest," he told Reuters in an interview shortly after arriving in the Swiss ski resort.</p>

<p>He said,&nbsp;"We've got a really happy story to tell because the work's going a lot better than we ever could have hoped. We reached our first million people with clean water and sanitation in 2012 and now we're reaching over a million a quarter so we're already past 16 million people so it's scaling really quickly."</p>

<p>Co-founder Gary White said that a lot of the summit's major themes including women's empowerment and climate change could be helped through the water problem: if girls didn't spend time looking for clean water they could be in school and if less water was wasted less energy would be spent moving it around.</p>

<p>He said,&nbsp;"I think Matt won't brag on himself for sure but there's no doubt, Matt actually, has been in this for well over a decade now. And Matt can do this kind of interview but he can also go and sit down at the World Bank with the president there and articulate these issues and work with them. So I think he has become one of the world's water experts and I think that's what shows through, that yes the celebrity aspect that Matt brings to it is undeniable. But there's few celebrities that have drilled down into an issue so deeply, and said 'This is what I'm really going to focus on', and you can see the momentum we've gained since we joined forces. 16 million people now have access to water that didn't before we joined up so I think Matt explains a lot of that."</p>

<p>Damon, star of movies including the Bourne Identity and Good Will Hunting said he didn't know if his fame helped open doors but he hoped to put it to good use.</p>

<p>"Hopefully I'm bringing something to the table. He's (White) bringing his three engineering degrees, I've got to do something!" he said.</p>


American actor Matt Damon said on Tuesday (January 22) he hoped the financial clout of Davos and his movie star glamour would help bring clean water to millions more via his micro-financing charity.

American actor Matt Damon said on Tuesday (January 22) he hoped the financial clout of Davos and his movie star glamour would help bring clean water to millions more via his micro-financing charity. Damon is a regular at the World Economic Forum (WEF) since co-founding water.org -- a charity that organises micro-loans so the world's poor can pay for their own infrastructure to bring water to their homes. Many cannot afford the upfront costs of connecting to the water grid but they can afford small loan repayments if someone else puts up the money, he explained. This year he has meetings lined up with Stella Artois and the Hilton Foundation, both sponsors of the organisation, and he says he has a good news story to sell -- that more than 16 million people now have clean water. "People want to solve their problems you just have to nudge the market towards them a little bit and they can do the rest," he told Reuters in an interview shortly after arriving in the Swiss ski resort. He said, "We've got a really happy story to tell because the work's going a lot better than we ever could have hoped. We reached our first million people with clean water and sanitation in 2012 and now we're reaching over a million a quarter so we're already past 16 million people so it's scaling really quickly." Co-founder Gary White said that a lot of the summit's major themes including women's empowerment and climate change could be helped through the water problem: if girls didn't spend time looking for clean water they could be in school and if less water was wasted less energy would be spent moving it around. He said, "I think Matt won't brag on himself for sure but there's no doubt, Matt actually, has been in this for well over a decade now. And Matt can do this kind of interview but he can also go and sit down at the World Bank with the president there and articulate these issues and work with them. So I think he has become one of the world's water experts and I think that's what shows through, that yes the celebrity aspect that Matt brings to it is undeniable. But there's few celebrities that have drilled down into an issue so deeply, and said 'This is what I'm really going to focus on', and you can see the momentum we've gained since we joined forces. 16 million people now have access to water that didn't before we joined up so I think Matt explains a lot of that." Damon, star of movies including the Bourne Identity and Good Will Hunting said he didn't know if his fame helped open doors but he hoped to put it to good use. "Hopefully I'm bringing something to the table. He's (White) bringing his three engineering degrees, I've got to do something!" he said.

Matt Damon goes to Davos to talk of support for clean water charity

<p>Nearly 30 per cent of global business leaders believe that world economic growth will decline in the next 12 months -- a dip which roughly translates to six times the level of 5 per cent in 2018.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to a survey conducted by PricewaterhouseCoopers, there prevails a gaping difference in the sentiment among global CEOs with regards to world economic growth. Over 1,300 CEOs were surveyed in September-October 2018, ahead of this year's&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/imf-ceos-sound-warnings-as-leaders-gather-in-davos-191910">World Economic Forum event in Davos</a>, Switzerland.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This year's pessimism is in "vivid contrast to last year’s record jump, 29% to 57%, in optimism about global economic growth prospects," the survey found.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Overall, CEOs’ views on global economic growth are more polarised this year but trending downward," the report stated.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The survey highlighted the United States as the top market for growth at 27%, significantly down from 46% in 2018. The second most attractive market, China, also saw its popularity fall to 24%, down from 33% in 2018.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"India is the rising star on the list," the released stated.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Taking a closer look at some country-specific results, CEOs’ confidence reflected the global drop attributed primarily to slowing world economies and looming trade tensions.&nbsp;</p>

<p>To drive revenue this year, CEOs plan to rely primarily on operational efficiencies at 77% and organic growth at 71%.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>US</strong><strong> retains </strong><strong>top</strong><strong> market slot for growth&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>The US retains its lead as the top market for growth over the next 12 months. Other global favourites include China, Germany, Indian and the UK.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The turn away from the US market and shift in Chinese investment to other countries are reactions to the uncertainty surrounding the ongoing trade dispute between the US and China,” &nbsp;Bob Moritz, Global Chairman, PwC noted.</p>

<p><strong>Threats to growth</strong></p>

<p>Trade conflicts, policy uncertainty, and protectionism have replaced terrorism, climate change, and increasing tax burden in the top ten list of threats to growth, the report stated.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Of CEOs ‘extremely concerned’ about trade conflicts, 88% are specifically uneasy about the trade issues between China and the US. Ninety-eight per cent of US CEOs and 90% of China’s CEOs have voiced these concerns," the release read.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Artificial intelligence</strong></p>

<p>Again, there is no denying that the future of Artificial Intelligence (AI), and the future with AI, is bright. Global business leaders also resounded similar sentiment.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Eighty-five per cent of CEOs agree that AI will dramatically change their business over the next five years. Nearly two-thirds view it as something that will have a larger impact than the internet.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), In its World Economic Outlook report released on Monday, predicted the global economy will grow at 3.5 per cent in 2019 and 3.6 per cent in 2020, down 0.2 and 0.1 percentage point respectively from last October's forecasts, news agency Reuters reported.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"After two years of solid expansion, the world economy is growing more slowly than expected and risks are rising," IMF Managing Director Christine Lagarde told reporters.</p>

<p>"Does that mean a global recession is around the corner? No. But the risk of a sharper decline in global growth has certainly increased," she said, urging policymakers to brace for a "serious slowdown."</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Nearly 30 per cent of global business leaders believe that world economic growth will decline in the next 12 months -- a dip which roughly translates to six times the level of 5 per cent in 2018.

Nearly 30 per cent of global business leaders believe that world economic growth will decline in the next 12 months -- a dip which roughly translates to six times the level of 5 per cent in 2018. According to a survey conducted by PricewaterhouseCoopers, there prevails a gaping difference in the sentiment among global CEOs with regards to world economic growth. Over 1,300 CEOs were surveyed in September-October 2018, ahead of this year's World Economic Forum event in Davos, Switzerland. This year's pessimism is in "vivid contrast to last year’s record jump, 29% to 57%, in optimism about global economic growth prospects," the survey found. "Overall, CEOs’ views on global economic growth are more polarised this year but trending downward," the report stated. The survey highlighted the United States as the top market for growth at 27%, significantly down from 46% in 2018. The second most attractive market, China, also saw its popularity fall to 24%, down from 33% in 2018. "India is the rising star on the list," the released stated. Taking a closer look at some country-specific results, CEOs’ confidence reflected the global drop attributed primarily to slowing world economies and looming trade tensions. To drive revenue this year, CEOs plan to rely primarily on operational efficiencies at 77% and organic growth at 71%. US retains top market slot for growth The US retains its lead as the top market for growth over the next 12 months. Other global favourites include China, Germany, Indian and the UK. “The turn away from the US market and shift in Chinese investment to other countries are reactions to the uncertainty surrounding the ongoing trade dispute between the US and China,” Bob Moritz, Global Chairman, PwC noted. Threats to growth Trade conflicts, policy uncertainty, and protectionism have replaced terrorism, climate change, and increasing tax burden in the top ten list of threats to growth, the report stated. "Of CEOs ‘extremely concerned’ about trade conflicts, 88% are specifically uneasy about the trade issues between China and the US. Ninety-eight per cent of US CEOs and 90% of China’s CEOs have voiced these concerns," the release read. Artificial intelligence Again, there is no denying that the future of Artificial Intelligence (AI), and the future with AI, is bright. Global business leaders also resounded similar sentiment. Eighty-five per cent of CEOs agree that AI will dramatically change their business over the next five years. Nearly two-thirds view it as something that will have a larger impact than the internet. Meanwhile, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), In its World Economic Outlook report released on Monday, predicted the global economy will grow at 3.5 per cent in 2019 and 3.6 per cent in 2020, down 0.2 and 0.1 percentage point respectively from last October's forecasts, news agency Reuters reported. "After two years of solid expansion, the world economy is growing more slowly than expected and risks are rising," IMF Managing Director Christine Lagarde told reporters. "Does that mean a global recession is around the corner? No. But the risk of a sharper decline in global growth has certainly increased," she said, urging policymakers to brace for a "serious slowdown."

Ahead of Davos, global CEOs believe world economic growth will fall: Report

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