Davos through the lens of an insider - 'shops left like empty eyes' #WEF20

Loading player...
The name Davos is almost interchangeable with the World Economic Forum, even though WEF holds several other international meetings every year. For five hectic days, the world's elite come to a tiny town in the Alps where it becomes the place to be heard and the place to be seen. This year, at WEF's 50th anniversary,  the discussion on the tables was the increasing revolt of people around the world against economic elites which they feel betrayed them and that "efforts to keep global warming limited to 1.5°C are falling dangerously short." And it did seem as if Greta Thunberg’s call to the forum last year that it’s time to panic about climate change might be finally starting to hit home as attendees showed more alarm at the teenage activist’s message. Companies and governments are likely to be increasingly measured against a scorecard on how they shape up to a form of capitalism where not only the shareholders, but the planet and communities are also taken into account. But what happens to Davos once everybody has packed up and leave? Biznews spoke to a local newspaper editor and resident, Barbara Gassler who has for the past years hosted the team. Barbara who likes a big jug of tea every morning and evening, tells a story of a town with "shops left like empty eyes" and how the "fair" that accompanies the WEF has evolved into an uncontrollable beast. - Linda van Tilburg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
27 Jan 2020 2AM English South Africa Investing · Business News

Other recent episodes

DA’s Double-Duty Man

South Africa doesn't hear enough from politicians who do the unglamorous work of fixing the state. Jan de Villiers is one of them. The DA MP and chair of Parliament's Portfolio Committee on Public Service and Administration just drove through a landmark law that tightens the firewall between party politics…
17 Apr 8AM 38 min

Elon Musk vs BEE: The explosive debate that could change South Africa forever

From Elon Musk’s Pretoria beginnings to global dominance, this conversation dives into power, policy, and South Africa’s economic crossroads. Solidarity’s Dirk Hermann unpacks the growing backlash against BEE, arguing it stifles jobs, fuels elite enrichment, and deters investment. With pressure mounting from markets, citizens, and international players, is reform inevitable?…
17 Apr 7AM 41 min

South Africa’s wildlife heartland under siege from illegal mining syndicates

Heavily armed illegal mining syndicates are no longer just a problem for abandoned shafts and remote communities. In this interview, De Wet du Toit of the Blyde River Task Force tells BizNews how zama-zama operations linked to foreign criminal networks are threatening South Africa’s water systems, tourism economy and wildlife…
16 Apr 7AM 22 min