Davos, 20 January 2025 (dpa/MIA) - The world's political and economic elite is gathering from Monday in the Swiss winter sports resort of Davos for the annual World Economic Forum (WEF).

According to the WEF, around 900 chief executives and 60 heads of state and prime ministers will be attending this year's edition. Leaders' speeches will begin on Tuesday, after the formal opening of the conference on Monday.

The official programme includes talks and panels on cybercrime, artificial intelligence and technological change, under the motto "collaboration for the intelligent age."

But observers believe this year's meeting will be shaped mor than anything by the return to the White House of Donald Trump, and questions over his actions in his second term as US president.

In particular, Trump has threatened import tariffs against China and other important trading partners, most of whom will be represented at the WEF.

Trump was the first incumbent US president to attend the forum in person, during his first term. On Thursday, the 78-year-old will speak in Davos again, but via video link.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is expected to speak on Tuesday, the same day as German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

Photo: dpa