Four key issues on the agenda for WEF Davos 2015

The World Economic Forum will hold its 45th annual meeting in the Swiss town of Davos from 21 to 24 January 2015. (Image: World Economic Forum)

Rapid change is a consequence of the complex interdependence of today's world as well as profound political, economic, social and, above all, technological transformations. These changes are all the more unsettling because they are driven by factors we often don't understand, and have consequences we struggle to foresee.

Dialogue and exchange between all stakeholders in society is critical to chart a course through this complex terrain. In this regard, the Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum provides an unparalleled platform. Under the theme "The New Global Context", it will evaluate the immediate and long-term implications of critical trends, including escalating geopolitical tensions, the expected normalisation of monetary policy, and the economic and social repercussions of unabated climate change, youth unemployment and income inequality.

Leaders from across business, government, international organisations, academia, civil society, culture and the arts will explore these shifts through four thematic tracks:

1. Growth and stability

Economic recovery after the financial crisis has been mainly the result of expansionary monetary policy. While this has prevented economies from falling apart, the chances of addiction and misapplication are high, including excessive risk-taking, the build-up of asset bubbles and capital outflows that inflate assets and potentially destabilise other economies.

Have regulators identified the right policies to mitigate systemic financial risks? Are markets mis-pricing geopolitical threats? How can economic growth models become more dynamic, inclusive and resilient?

2. Crisis and co-operation

Emerging economies are growing more powerful and assertive, both regionally and globally - yet rather than a repeat of uni- or bipolar hegemony a concert of interdependent and stronger regions seems to be the most likely scenario.

Will global governance stall as United States leadership weakens? Will the rise of geo-economic competition derail economic growth and integration? How can a world of "decentred globalism" deliver the necessary levels of cooperation in areas such as climate governance, cybersecurity and international trade and investment?

3. Society and security

Social instability occurs when political systems fail to adjust to change. Growing economic inequalities and deepening polarization indicate this is a major risk. Advanced and emerging economies alike need new ways of responding to shifting demands without further weakening social cohesion.

How can excessive wealth and income inequality be tackled while stimulating growth and innovation? Are democratic institutions sinking deeper into decision-making paralysis, hindering meaningful action when it comes to addressing rising inequality and other societal and environmental challenges? Faced with uncertainty, how can societies avoid a vicious cycle of distrust, polarization and unrest?

4. Innovation and industry

Technological, demographic and economic forces are profoundly transforming industries and markets in areas such as healthcare, financial services, energy, manufacturing and retail. At the same time, concerns over low productivity growth are increasing, and large companies face criticism for maximising short term gain at the expense of long-term wealth-creation and social benefit.