Annual Report 2023-2024
The World Economic Forum’s Annual Report outlines the key developments in 2023-2024. It provides an overview of the 10 centres and the Forum's initiatives, coalitions and flagship reports, as well as the latest progress from the Forum’s core functions, leadership and governance.
1. Chairman’s Statement
We are on the cusp of a profound systemic transformation driven by interconnected shifts in a rapidly changing world. During these challenging yet opportunity-filled times, our work to foster collaboration, innovation and progress is more important than ever. In today’s rapidly evolving global landscape, characterized by unprecedented complexities, risks and opportunities, the Forum’s mission is more important than ever. Together, we will continue to navigate these transformative times, seizing opportunities, mitigating risks and building a resilient, inclusive and sustainable future.
— Klaus Schwab, Founder and Executive Chairman
2. President’s Statement
The past year saw some of the most complex geopolitical and geoeconomic developments in decades, making the World Economic Forum’s mission to build and strengthen multistakeholder partnerships more vital than ever. As wars unfortunately continued to be fought and superpower relations remained fraught, global competition and conflict escalated, degrading the security landscape and deepening stress points in the multilateral system. The recession of geopolitical cooperation came as urgency continues to grow for parties to work together in solving shared challenges. The last year was the hottest on record, economic growth, though in positive territory, is projected to be historically low, and the number of people impacted by violence has risen to record levels. At the same time, frontier technologies offer the possibility of enormous gains, but this potential needs to be unlocked responsibly.
— Børge Brende, President of the Managing Board
3. Our Institutional Framework
The World Economic Forum is the International Organization for Public-Private Cooperation, providing a global, impartial, not-for-profit platform for meaningful connection among leaders in politics, business, academia, civil society and other sectors. Established in 1971 as a not-for-profit foundation, the Forum is independent and impartial, upholding the highest standards of governance and integrity.
4. Our Impact
This section showcases selected initiatives and meetings from 2023-2024, highlighting the Forum’s efforts to drive progress on global challenges such as decarbonization, gender parity and technology governance. The report also emphasizes the Forum’s role in promoting global collaboration and trust-building in a fragmented world.
5. Our Organization
The report provides an overview of the 10 centres, their priorities and key achievements over the past year. It includes summaries of its initiatives, coalitions and flagship reports, along with updates from the Forum’s core functions, including partner and stakeholder engagement, global programming, global communications, technology and digital innovation, and finance and operations. Additionally, the report offers insights into the Forum’s talent, offices and affiliated organizations, such as the Forum of Young Global Leaders, the Global Shapers Community and the Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship.
6. Leadership and Governance
The World Economic Forum is chaired by Founder and Executive Chairman Klaus Schwab. It is guided by its Board of Trustees and managed by its President, Børge Brende, and the Managing Board.
7. Consolidated Financial Statements
The Forum operates as a public-interest, not-for-profit organization, maintaining independence and impartiality in all its activities. The financial statements reflect the Forum's commitment to transparency and sound financial management.
8. Stakeholder Metrics
The World Economic Forum Stakeholder Metrics report the Forum’s performance across four pillars: Governance, People, Planet and Prosperity.