- Open Forum Davos 2023 is hosting a series of panel discussions 16-20 January, all open to the public upon registration
- Panelists include YouTuber Nuseir Yassin, musician and philanthropist will.i.am, and Secretary-General of Amnesty International Agnès Callamard
- Topics include equitable access to nature, youth innovation to tackle climate change, sustainable cities and communities
- For more information, visit www.weforum.org. Share on social media using the hashtag #wef23 and #OpenForum23
Davos-Klosters, Switzerland, 14 January 2023 - As part of the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2023, this year's Open Forum Davos will focus on Our Environment: Lessons, Challenges and Opportunities. This is the Open Forum's 20th year of hosting sessions that welcome diverse groups from around the world to listen and share experiences with experts and leaders. Topics for discussion will include some of the most pressing issues for climate, nature and people.
The 2023 edition of the Open Forum takes stock of the lessons we have learned, and the biggest challenges we face in the fight to stabilize the climate, stop nature's collapse, boost food security, transition to clean energy and help communities most affected by the crisis. Leaders from all walks of life will explore opportunities and solutions for the many environmental crises we are confronted with. Embracing diverse opinions and backgrounds to find just and sustainable solutions in the climate crisis, each Open Forum session will take into consideration regional, generational and other socio-demographic differences.
More Indigenous leaders, especially women, will take part than ever before. They include: Hindou Oumarou Ibrahim, President of the Association for Indigenous Women and Peoples of Chad; Jocelyn Formsma, CEO of National Association of Friendship Centres; Fawn Sharp, President of National Congress of American Indians USA; Maickson dos Santos Serrão, Global Shaper and Vice-Curator of Manaus Hub Brazil; and Helena Gualinga, Co-Founder of Indigenous Youth Collective of Amazon Defenders.
In partnership with YouTube, the host of "Nas Daily", Nuseir Yassin, will lead a discussion on technology innovation for climate and nature. Yassin will be joined by musician and philanthropist will.i.am, Sea6 Energy Pvt Limited leader Sowmya Lakshmi Balendiran, Global Shaper Maickson dos Santos Serrão, and Inari CEO Ponsi Trivisvavet.
More than 1 billion people live with a disability and are among those most adversely affected by the climate crisis. In a conversation with the other panellists, Swiss author Christoph Keller will explore how to create opportunities for inclusion and people with disabilities.
One session co-designed with youth from the Scout group "Battasendas Viamala" based in the canton of Grisons, will discuss how current lifestyles and organizational practices need to change to restore the health of the planet and protect the well-being of current and future generations.
Another session designed with students from the International School of Zug and Luzern looks at how multi-stakeholder commitments and partnerships must be maintained to keep the momentum on climate action.
Additional panellists in this year's Open Forum Davos include:
- Jade Hameister, Polar Explorer and Environmental Advocate, The Villars Institute, Switzerland
- Men Dellagiovanna, Head, Environment Unit, Gemeinde Davos, Switzerland
- Hanneke Faber, President, Nutrition, Unilever, Netherlands
- Ama Francis, Climate Strategist, International Refugee Assistance Project, USA
- Arnold Puech Pays d'Alissac, President, World Farmers' Organisation, Italy
- Prince Daniel of Sweden
- Deng Dak Malual, Global Shaper, Impact Officer, Kakuma Hub, Kenya
- Anne Beathe Tvinnereim, Minister of International Development, Norway
- Virginijus Sinkevicius, Commissioner for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries, European Commission
Open Forum Programme
Monday 16 January
18.30 - 19.30 In Harmony with Nature
Tuesday 17 January
09.30 - 10.30 Sustainably Served
12.30 - 13.30 Protecting the Climate Vulnerable
18.30 - 19.30 Propelling Planetary Prosperity
Wednesday 18 January
09.30 - 10.30 Nature Heals
12.30 - 13.30 Mobilizing for Climate
18.30 - 19.30 Energy Transition Rush
Thursday 19 January
09.30 - 10.30 Pack Up and Go - Climate Migration
12.30 - 13.30 The Evolution of Urban Life
18.30 - 19.30 Noa's Ark - Music as a Catalyst for Change
Friday 20 January
11.30 - 12.30 In Case of Fire, Use Stairs
The Open Forum Davos was founded in 2003 when a series of public sessions were co-organized by the World Economic Forum and civil society groups, including churches, fair trade organizations and the Swiss Red Cross. Today, the Open Forum Davos remains a key platform for all of society to share thoughts and experiences on pressing and controversial issues.
