Closing Remarks
23 Jan 2026 11:00h - 11:15h
Closing Remarks
Session at a glance
Summary
This transcript captures the closing remarks of the World Economic Forum’s annual meeting in Davos, delivered by President Børge Brende and co-chairs Andrea Hoffmann and Larry Fink. Brende opened by expressing gratitude to the co-chairs and staff for their exceptional work in organizing what he described as a record-breaking event. He emphasized that the Forum serves as the world’s leading platform for multi-stakeholder dialogue on complex and contested global issues, bringing together diverse voices from governments, business, and civil society.
Brende acknowledged that the Forum’s discussions often feature strong disagreements rather than consensus, which he viewed as positive since the organization’s purpose is to create a trusted space for dialogue rather than serve as an echo chamber. He stressed that meaningful dialogue is essential for global progress, requiring patience, commitment, and creativity, especially when decision-makers with differing viewpoints engage with each other. The meeting achieved remarkable participation numbers, with 3,000 attendees from 130 countries, including 830 CEOs and chairs, and 64 heads of state and government.
Co-chair Andrea Hoffmann thanked both the Forum’s members and staff, praising the human energy and dedication required to orchestrate such a sophisticated event. Larry Fink echoed these sentiments, specifically recognizing the 1,000 World Economic Forum staff members who coordinated the logistics, sessions, and overall experience. He noted improvements in music and food quality, though acknowledged ongoing traffic challenges. Fink concluded the meeting with an optimistic quote from Elon Musk, emphasizing that it’s better to be an optimist and wrong than a pessimist who’s right, setting a hopeful tone for future collaboration.
Keypoints
Major Discussion Points:
– Record-breaking participation and global engagement – The annual meeting achieved unprecedented attendance with 3,000 participants from 130 countries, including 830 CEOs and 64 heads of state and government, demonstrating strong commitment to dialogue during complex global times
– The World Economic Forum’s role as a multi-stakeholder dialogue platform – Emphasis on the Forum’s mission to convene diverse voices from governments, business, and civil society, creating a trusted space for discussion even when there are strong disagreements
– Importance of dialogue over consensus – Recognition that the Forum should not be an “echo chamber” but rather facilitate real dialogue on contested issues like AI, market strengthening, conflict resolution, and inclusive growth
– Acknowledgment and appreciation of collaborative efforts – Extensive gratitude expressed toward co-chairs Andrea Hoffman and Larry Fink, WEF staff, and all participants for their commitment and hard work in making the meeting successful
– Forward-looking optimism and future engagement – Discussion of carrying the dialogue spirit forward, with mention of the upcoming Spring Davos in Jeddah and ending with Elon Musk’s optimistic quote about being “an optimist and wrong than a pessimist who’s right”
Overall Purpose:
This appears to be a closing ceremony for the World Economic Forum’s annual meeting, where leaders are reflecting on the success of the event, thanking participants and organizers, and reinforcing the Forum’s mission of facilitating meaningful dialogue on global challenges.
Overall Tone:
The tone is consistently positive, celebratory, and grateful throughout the discussion. It begins with formal appreciation and maintains an upbeat, accomplished atmosphere. The speakers express relief at successfully completing the event, pride in the record participation, and optimism for future collaboration. The tone becomes increasingly warm and personal as speakers acknowledge individual contributions, ending on an inspirational note with Musk’s quote about optimism.
Speakers
– Børge Brende: Role/Title not explicitly mentioned in transcript, but appears to be in a leadership position at the World Economic Forum based on context
– Larry Fink: Co-chair of the annual meeting
– André Hoffmann: Co-chair of the annual meeting (mentioned as acting co-chair for his first meeting in this role)
Additional speakers:
– Elon Musk: Area of expertise/role/title not mentioned, but referenced as having participated in a session the previous day where he made a closing statement
Full session report
World Economic Forum Annual Meeting Closing Remarks: Summary
Overview
The closing ceremony of the World Economic Forum’s annual meeting in Davos featured remarks from President Børge Brende and co-chairs André Hoffmann and Larry Fink. The ceremony served as both a reflection on the meeting’s achievements and an expression of gratitude to participants and organizers.
Record-Breaking Participation
President Børge Brende reported unprecedented participation levels for the annual meeting, with 3,000 attendees from 130 countries, including 830 CEOs and chairs, and 64 heads of state and government. These figures demonstrated significant global engagement and commitment to international dialogue during challenging times.
The Forum’s Mission and Purpose
Brende articulated his view of the Forum’s role, describing it as “in my view at least, the world’s leading platform for multi-stakeholder dialogue on complex and contested global issues.” He emphasized that the Forum’s value lies not in producing consensus but in facilitating meaningful dialogue across different perspectives.
“We are not supposed to be like an echo chamber of consensus,” Brende noted, explaining that he had witnessed strong disagreements during various sessions throughout the meeting. He positioned such dialogue as essential, stating that “the absence of discourse deepens division” and that real dialogue “requires patience, commitment, and creativity” but is “really necessary” for addressing global challenges.
Brende described the Forum as providing “a trusted space for dialogue” and emphasized that such engagement serves as “a prerequisite for moving the world forward.”
Recognition and Gratitude
Staff Appreciation
All three speakers expressed substantial gratitude toward World Economic Forum staff. Brende delivered “a monumental thank you to all my colleagues at the World Economic Forum that we pulled off this meeting,” expressing personal pride in the organizational achievement.
André Hoffmann praised the staff’s “enormous energy and human quality in executing such a complex event.” He acknowledged the fundamental importance of staff contributions, stating “Without you, we are nothing. So we really count on you.”
Member Recognition
The speakers also recognized the Forum’s members for their participation and commitment. Hoffmann specifically distinguished between staff and members in his acknowledgments, thanking both groups separately for their contributions to the meeting’s success.
Larry Fink referenced “1,000 members of the World Economic Forum” in his appreciation, noting improvements in various aspects of the meeting experience, including “music and food quality,” though he acknowledged that “traffic challenges” remained an ongoing issue.
Ceremonial Recognition
During the ceremony, Brende invited the co-chairs to join him on stage for formal recognition, creating a ceremonial moment that highlighted the collaborative leadership structure of the organization.
Looking Forward
Brende mentioned the upcoming Spring Davos meeting scheduled for April 22nd in Jeddah, indicating the Forum’s continued commitment to maintaining international dialogue throughout the year.
Closing Perspective
Larry Fink concluded the ceremony by referencing a quote from Elon Musk from the previous day’s session: “It’s better to be an optimist and wrong than be a pessimist who’s right.” Fink positioned this perspective as a final thought for participants to carry forward, emphasizing the value of maintaining optimism when addressing complex global challenges.
Assessment
The closing ceremony successfully highlighted the meeting’s achievements in terms of participation and dialogue facilitation. The speakers demonstrated unified appreciation for both the organizational effort required to execute the meeting and the global commitment shown by participants in attending and engaging with complex international issues.
The emphasis on dialogue as valuable in itself, rather than as a means to consensus, provided a framework for understanding the Forum’s role in global governance as a platform for necessary conversations across different perspectives and interests.
Session transcript
I thank you all for participating in this annual meeting very actively, and a special thank you to our two co-chairs, Andrea Hoffman and Larry Fink, for exceptional cooperation. And I tell you, they have really worked tirelessly and very committed to make this annual meeting happen, and also to the real mission of the World Economic Forum. And of course, as Andrea already mentioned, I send a monumental thank you to all my colleagues at the World Economic Forum that we pulled off this meeting.
I’m so proud. Thank you. The Forum is, in my view at least, the world’s leading platform for multi-stakeholder dialogue on the most complex and often contested issues of today.
We convene, as we have seen during these days, very diverse voices from across governments, business and civil society, which means that we do see not always agreement. Sometimes we really see strong disagreements. That’s okay, because the purpose of the week and the Forum’s work over the year is to create a trusted space for dialogue.
Dialogue is a prerequisite for moving the world forward. If you don’t even have a dialogue, you will not see any results. We are not supposed to be like an echo chamber of consensus, unlocking potentials for responsible AI, as the panel touched on, strengthening markets, facilitating engagements to address conflicts, discussing how to reach real inclusive growth, and also, while trickling down, happen if decision-makers who do not always see eye to eye talk to each other.
This type of dialogue, real dialogue, is never easy. It requires patience, commitment, and creativity. But it is really necessary, because the absence of discourse deepens division.
I think pages of history have shown us that it is really filled with walls rising and tension mounting at times, but also of leaders working to find areas of agreement in challenging moments. I think that’s what we have seen also during this week. I’m really so heartened to see that this year’s annual meeting convened 3,000 participants from 130 countries, 830 CEOs and chairs, 64 heads of state and government, and the numbers were growing every day during the meeting.
It’s a record. It is a real testament to the fact that one of the most complex global moments in generations, leaders were committed and inspired by our team, a spirit of dialogue. It is my hope that we can carry this forward in the year ahead and beyond, and the first test will be in the Spring Davos in the Kingdom in Jeddah, 22nd of April.
So I have to admit, relieved, but also inspired and very thankful. And I would like the two co-chairs, if you don’t mind, to join me here on stage so we can give them also a big hug and applause. And thank them.
Thank you.
So a very special moment, as you can see, closing the first meeting where I was acting as a co-chair. Spirit of dialogue, indeed, but I’m going to do a little sort of change. I’m going to separate you into two.
On one side is our members, and thank you for coming. I think you heard me saying that a couple of times during the week. Without you, we are nothing.
So we really count on you to come and see it. I mean, I talk for those who are still here, of course, because the number of you have left. But thank you very much for doing this.
And then the staff. I mean, to pull out something, to pull up, sorry, something like we just experienced, the spirit of dialogues and the five strategic priorities we’re taking out into such a sophisticated outcome needs an enormous amount of energy.
And this is a human quality that I really found in everybody in the staff. So please join me in clapping for them. They have done a fantastic job.
Taking people from all over the world and bringing them together in the wonderful town of Davos with the support of the Federal Confederation and Galben is a remarkable achievement. Thank you.
I would just say thank you to all of you. But more importantly, the big thanks is to the 1,000 members of the World Economic Forum who made this all happen. To pull this all together, making sure all the sessions work, making sure that we are consistent across all the different presentations and content.
Even we had better music this year. We had better food this year. We did not have better traffic.
That’s something we have to work on. But really, a great, great thanks and gratitude to all the members of the World Economic Forum pulling this off. None of us could have done this ourselves.
Hopefully, you all saw the great collaboration between Andre and Børge Brende and myself. It really worked. And lastly, I just want to – because I thought it was so profound, I want to end this forum with a quote that Elon Musk said in closing yesterday’s session, that it’s better to be an optimist and wrong than be the pessimist who’s right.
So on that note, enjoy. See you.
Børge Brende
Speech speed
114 words per minute
Speech length
472 words
Speech time
247 seconds
The Forum serves as the world’s leading platform for multi-stakeholder dialogue on complex and contested issues
Explanation
Børge Brende positions the World Economic Forum as the premier global venue for bringing together different stakeholders to discuss challenging and often controversial topics. He emphasizes that this platform facilitates important conversations on the most pressing issues of our time.
Evidence
The Forum convenes diverse voices from across governments, business and civil society
Major discussion point
World Economic Forum’s Role and Mission
The Forum creates a trusted space for dialogue by convening diverse voices from governments, business, and civil society
Explanation
The Forum’s primary function is to establish an environment where different sectors can engage in meaningful conversation. This trusted space allows for productive dialogue between parties who might not otherwise interact or collaborate.
Evidence
3,000 participants from 130 countries, 830 CEOs and chairs, 64 heads of state and government participated in this year’s meeting
Major discussion point
World Economic Forum’s Role and Mission
The Forum should not be an echo chamber of consensus but should facilitate real dialogue even when there are disagreements
Explanation
Brende argues that the Forum’s value lies not in creating artificial agreement but in enabling authentic dialogue where disagreements can be expressed and discussed. He sees strong disagreements as acceptable and even necessary for meaningful progress.
Evidence
Sometimes we really see strong disagreements. That’s okay, because the purpose of the week and the Forum’s work over the year is to create a trusted space for dialogue
Major discussion point
World Economic Forum’s Role and Mission
Dialogue is a prerequisite for moving the world forward and achieving results
Explanation
Brende emphasizes that without dialogue, no meaningful progress can be made on global issues. He positions dialogue as the fundamental requirement for any positive change or problem-solving at the international level.
Evidence
If you don’t even have a dialogue, you will not see any results
Major discussion point
Importance of Dialogue in Global Leadership
Real dialogue requires patience, commitment, and creativity, especially during challenging global moments
Explanation
Brende acknowledges that meaningful dialogue is not easy and demands significant effort and innovative approaches from participants. He recognizes that this is particularly true during complex global situations when tensions may be high.
Evidence
This type of dialogue, real dialogue, is never easy. It requires patience, commitment, and creativity. But it is really necessary, because the absence of discourse deepens division
Major discussion point
Importance of Dialogue in Global Leadership
The absence of discourse deepens division, while dialogue helps leaders find areas of agreement
Explanation
Brende contrasts the negative consequences of not having dialogue with the positive outcomes when leaders engage with each other. He suggests that historical examples show both the dangers of division and the benefits of finding common ground through communication.
Evidence
Pages of history have shown us that it is really filled with walls rising and tension mounting at times, but also of leaders working to find areas of agreement in challenging moments
Major discussion point
Importance of Dialogue in Global Leadership
This year’s meeting achieved record participation with 3,000 participants from 130 countries, including 830 CEOs and 64 heads of state
Explanation
Brende highlights the unprecedented scale and global representation of the annual meeting as evidence of its success and relevance. The record numbers demonstrate the strong commitment of world leaders to participate in this dialogue platform.
Evidence
It’s a record. It is a real testament to the fact that one of the most complex global moments in generations, leaders were committed and inspired by our team, a spirit of dialogue
Major discussion point
Annual Meeting Success and Achievements
Agreed with
– André Hoffmann
– Larry Fink
Agreed on
Annual meeting achieved exceptional success and record participation
André Hoffmann
Speech speed
194 words per minute
Speech length
212 words
Speech time
65 seconds
The meeting successfully brought together people from all over the world in Davos with sophisticated outcomes
Explanation
Hoffmann emphasizes the complexity and sophistication of organizing such a large-scale international gathering. He highlights the achievement of bringing together diverse global participants and producing meaningful results from their interactions.
Evidence
Taking people from all over the world and bringing them together in the wonderful town of Davos with the support of the Federal Confederation and Galben is a remarkable achievement
Major discussion point
Annual Meeting Success and Achievements
Agreed with
– Børge Brende
– Larry Fink
Agreed on
Annual meeting achieved exceptional success and record participation
Members are essential to the Forum’s existence and success
Explanation
Hoffmann stresses the critical importance of the Forum’s members, stating that without their participation, the organization would cease to exist. He expresses deep gratitude for their continued involvement and support.
Evidence
Without you, we are nothing. So we really count on you to come and see it
Major discussion point
Appreciation and Recognition
The staff demonstrated enormous energy and human quality in executing such a complex event
Explanation
Hoffmann recognizes the exceptional effort and human qualities displayed by the World Economic Forum staff in organizing the meeting. He emphasizes that the sophisticated outcomes required tremendous energy and dedication from the team.
Evidence
To pull up something like we just experienced, the spirit of dialogues and the five strategic priorities we’re taking out into such a sophisticated outcome needs an enormous amount of energy. And this is a human quality that I really found in everybody in the staff
Major discussion point
Appreciation and Recognition
Agreed with
– Børge Brende
– Larry Fink
Agreed on
Recognition and appreciation of World Economic Forum staff and members
Larry Fink
Speech speed
146 words per minute
Speech length
179 words
Speech time
73 seconds
The event demonstrated great collaboration and improved elements like music and food
Explanation
Fink acknowledges the successful collaboration between the leadership team and highlights specific improvements made to enhance the participant experience. He notes both successes and areas that still need work, such as traffic management.
Evidence
Even we had better music this year. We had better food this year. We did not have better traffic. That’s something we have to work on. Hopefully, you all saw the great collaboration between Andre and Børge Brende and myself
Major discussion point
Annual Meeting Success and Achievements
Agreed with
– Børge Brende
– André Hoffmann
Agreed on
Annual meeting achieved exceptional success and record participation
The 1,000 World Economic Forum members deserve gratitude for making the event happen through their coordination efforts
Explanation
Fink emphasizes the crucial role played by the Forum’s staff members in coordinating all aspects of the event. He highlights their work in ensuring sessions functioned properly and maintaining consistency across all presentations and content.
Evidence
To pull this all together, making sure all the sessions work, making sure that we are consistent across all the different presentations and content
Major discussion point
Appreciation and Recognition
Agreed with
– Børge Brende
– André Hoffmann
Agreed on
Recognition and appreciation of World Economic Forum staff and members
It’s better to be an optimist and wrong than be a pessimist who’s right
Explanation
Fink concludes the forum with an optimistic philosophy, quoting Elon Musk to emphasize the value of maintaining a positive outlook even when facing uncertainty. This perspective encourages hope and forward-thinking despite potential challenges.
Evidence
I want to end this forum with a quote that Elon Musk said in closing yesterday’s session
Major discussion point
Optimistic Outlook
Agreements
Agreement points
Recognition and appreciation of World Economic Forum staff and members
Speakers
– Børge Brende
– André Hoffmann
– Larry Fink
Arguments
I send a monumental thank you to all my colleagues at the World Economic Forum that we pulled off this meeting. I’m so proud.
The staff demonstrated enormous energy and human quality in executing such a complex event
The 1,000 World Economic Forum members deserve gratitude for making the event happen through their coordination efforts
Summary
All three speakers unanimously expressed deep gratitude and recognition for the World Economic Forum staff and members, acknowledging their essential role in making the annual meeting successful
Topics
Not applicable to provided topics
Annual meeting achieved exceptional success and record participation
Speakers
– Børge Brende
– André Hoffmann
– Larry Fink
Arguments
This year’s meeting achieved record participation with 3,000 participants from 130 countries, including 830 CEOs and 64 heads of state
The meeting successfully brought together people from all over the world in Davos with sophisticated outcomes
The event demonstrated great collaboration and improved elements like music and food
Summary
All speakers agreed that the annual meeting was highly successful, with record participation and effective collaboration, representing a significant achievement in global dialogue facilitation
Topics
Not applicable to provided topics
Similar viewpoints
All speakers view the World Economic Forum as a successful platform for bringing together diverse global stakeholders and facilitating meaningful international dialogue and collaboration
Speakers
– Børge Brende
– André Hoffmann
– Larry Fink
Arguments
The Forum creates a trusted space for dialogue by convening diverse voices from governments, business, and civil society
The meeting successfully brought together people from all over the world in Davos with sophisticated outcomes
The event demonstrated great collaboration and improved elements like music and food
Topics
Not applicable to provided topics
Both co-chairs emphasize the critical importance of Forum members and staff, recognizing them as indispensable to the organization’s success and operations
Speakers
– André Hoffmann
– Larry Fink
Arguments
Members are essential to the Forum’s existence and success
The 1,000 World Economic Forum members deserve gratitude for making the event happen through their coordination efforts
Topics
Not applicable to provided topics
Unexpected consensus
Complete alignment on Forum’s mission and execution despite different leadership roles
Speakers
– Børge Brende
– André Hoffmann
– Larry Fink
Arguments
The Forum serves as the world’s leading platform for multi-stakeholder dialogue on complex and contested issues
The meeting successfully brought together people from all over the world in Davos with sophisticated outcomes
The event demonstrated great collaboration and improved elements like music and food
Explanation
Despite representing different aspects of leadership (President, Co-chair, Co-chair), all three speakers showed complete consensus on the Forum’s value, success, and mission without any dissenting views or constructive criticism, which is unexpected in organizational leadership discussions
Topics
Not applicable to provided topics
Overall assessment
Summary
The speakers demonstrated complete consensus on the World Economic Forum’s success, mission, and the importance of its stakeholders. All three leaders agreed on the record-breaking participation, the value of multi-stakeholder dialogue, and the essential role of staff and members.
Consensus level
Extremely high consensus with no disagreements or differing perspectives expressed. This unanimous agreement suggests strong organizational alignment and shared vision among leadership, though it may also indicate this was a ceremonial closing rather than a strategic discussion forum.
Differences
Different viewpoints
Unexpected differences
Overall assessment
Summary
No disagreements identified among speakers in this transcript
Disagreement level
Zero disagreement level – All three speakers are in complete alignment during these closing remarks. They unanimously praise the Forum’s success, express gratitude to staff and participants, and share the same positive assessment of the meeting’s outcomes. The speakers complement each other’s remarks rather than challenge or disagree with any points. This high level of consensus is typical for closing ceremonies but may not reflect the broader debates that occurred during the actual meeting sessions, which Brende acknowledges included ‘strong disagreements’ among participants.
Partial agreements
Partial agreements
Similar viewpoints
All speakers view the World Economic Forum as a successful platform for bringing together diverse global stakeholders and facilitating meaningful international dialogue and collaboration
Speakers
– Børge Brende
– André Hoffmann
– Larry Fink
Arguments
The Forum creates a trusted space for dialogue by convening diverse voices from governments, business, and civil society
The meeting successfully brought together people from all over the world in Davos with sophisticated outcomes
The event demonstrated great collaboration and improved elements like music and food
Topics
Not applicable to provided topics
Both co-chairs emphasize the critical importance of Forum members and staff, recognizing them as indispensable to the organization’s success and operations
Speakers
– André Hoffmann
– Larry Fink
Arguments
Members are essential to the Forum’s existence and success
The 1,000 World Economic Forum members deserve gratitude for making the event happen through their coordination efforts
Topics
Not applicable to provided topics
Takeaways
Key takeaways
The World Economic Forum successfully serves as a global platform for multi-stakeholder dialogue, bringing together diverse and sometimes disagreeing voices from governments, business, and civil society
Dialogue is essential for global progress – without it, no meaningful results can be achieved, and its absence only deepens divisions
The annual meeting achieved record-breaking participation with 3,000 attendees from 130 countries, demonstrating strong commitment to dialogue during complex global times
The Forum’s value lies in facilitating real dialogue rather than creating consensus echo chambers, allowing for productive disagreement and finding common ground
Success of such complex global events requires enormous collaborative effort from both members and staff
An optimistic outlook is preferable even with uncertainty – ‘better to be an optimist and wrong than be a pessimist who’s right’
Resolutions and action items
Continue carrying forward the spirit of dialogue established at this meeting throughout the year ahead
Prepare for the next Spring Davos meeting in Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on April 22nd
Address traffic issues for future meetings (identified as an area needing improvement)
Unresolved issues
Traffic management problems during the event remain unaddressed
No specific details provided about how to sustain the dialogue momentum beyond the meeting
No concrete mechanisms discussed for maintaining engagement between annual meetings
Suggested compromises
None identified
Thought provoking comments
We are not supposed to be like an echo chamber of consensus… This type of dialogue, real dialogue, is never easy. It requires patience, commitment, and creativity. But it is really necessary, because the absence of discourse deepens division.
Speaker
Børge Brende
Reason
This comment is insightful because it reframes disagreement and conflict as valuable rather than problematic. Brende challenges the common assumption that successful forums should produce consensus, instead arguing that productive disagreement and diverse perspectives are the actual goal. This perspective elevates the purpose of dialogue from achieving agreement to fostering understanding across differences.
Impact
This comment established the philosophical foundation for the entire closing ceremony. It shifted the tone from simply celebrating attendance numbers to celebrating the deeper purpose of bringing together diverse, sometimes conflicting viewpoints. It provided context for why the forum’s success should be measured not by harmony, but by the quality of difficult conversations.
It’s better to be an optimist and wrong than be the pessimist who’s right.
Speaker
Larry Fink (quoting Elon Musk)
Reason
This quote is thought-provoking because it challenges conventional wisdom about being ‘right’ versus being constructive. It suggests that the psychological and social value of optimism may outweigh the intellectual satisfaction of accurate pessimism. This reframes how we think about leadership, decision-making, and our approach to complex global challenges.
Impact
Fink strategically chose this quote to close the entire forum, making it the final thought participants would carry with them. It served as a call to action, encouraging attendees to maintain hope and forward momentum despite the serious challenges discussed throughout the week. The quote shifted the closing from administrative thanks to an inspirational challenge about mindset and approach.
Without you, we are nothing. So we really count on you to come and see it.
Speaker
André Hoffmann
Reason
While seemingly simple, this comment is insightful because it acknowledges the fundamental interdependence that makes global dialogue possible. Hoffmann explicitly recognizes that the forum’s value doesn’t come from the organization itself, but from the willingness of diverse stakeholders to show up and engage, even when it’s difficult or inconvenient.
Impact
This comment created a moment of vulnerability and authenticity in what could have been a routine closing ceremony. It reinforced the collaborative nature of the forum and emphasized personal responsibility for continued engagement, making the closing more about commitment to future participation than just celebrating past success.
Overall assessment
These key comments transformed what could have been a standard ceremonial closing into a meaningful reflection on the philosophy and purpose of global dialogue. Brende’s reframing of disagreement as valuable rather than problematic set a sophisticated tone that elevated the discussion beyond logistics to fundamental questions about how societies address complex challenges. Hoffmann’s vulnerable acknowledgment of interdependence added authenticity and personal stakes to the conversation. Finally, Fink’s closing quote provided a forward-looking philosophical framework that challenged participants to maintain constructive engagement despite uncertainty. Together, these comments created a closing that was both reflective and inspirational, emphasizing that the forum’s true success lies not in achieving consensus, but in maintaining the courage to engage across differences with optimism and commitment.
Follow-up questions
How to improve traffic management for future meetings
Speaker
Larry Fink
Explanation
Larry Fink specifically mentioned that while many aspects of the meeting improved this year (music, food), traffic remained a problem that needs to be addressed for future events
Disclaimer: This is not an official session record. DiploAI generates these resources from audiovisual recordings, and they are presented as-is, including potential errors. Due to logistical challenges, such as discrepancies in audio/video or transcripts, names may be misspelled. We strive for accuracy to the best of our ability.
Related event
World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2026 at Davos
19 Jan 2026 08:00h - 23 Jan 2026 18:00h
Davos, Switzerland