Switzerland may not host the 2021 World Economic Forum after all, because the corona pandemic is taking such a heavy toll on the nation. The forum organizers are considering a temporary relocation to a safer place – maybe Singapore?
The World Economic Forum (WEF) had opted for the reclusive site of Buergenstock for the 2021 meeting of business and political leaders instead of Davos, as it tried to make the showcase conference as safe as possible in the times of the pandemic. Now, the alternative meeting place has also come under review, according to a report by Swiss Sunday newspaper «Schweiz am Wochenende».
The huge number of infections and the death toll exacted by Covid-19 in Switzerland has alerted not only foreign governments but also led to concern about participants of the WEF 2021. The organizers have started evaluating potential alternative venues for the meeting that is slated to take place in May.
WEF as a Safe Place
WEF founder Klaus Schwab said that Switzerland was given as the host nation, as long as the corona-situation permitted, according to «Schweiz am Wochenende». He will only allow the event to take place on Buergenstock if and when the health concerns of participants and the public have been met, adding that the WEF should not turn into a super-spreader event.
According to unconfirmed media reports, Schwab held talks with representatives in Singapore.
