Check against delivery

Professor Schwab
Excellencies
Ladies and gentlemen

The title motto of this year’s Annual Meeting, ‘Rebuilding trust’, is not just a catchphrase, but shows rather starkly that mutual trust among the global community is currently in a bad way. The rules of the game are increasingly being called into question. Authoritarian or even totalitarian ideas are sometimes being accepted, as if the lessons of the twentieth century had been forgotten.

Even humanity's greatest achievements cannot escape this. The United Nations observes “a regression in human rights in all regions” and “a global democratic recession”.

In 2023 (twenty-twenty-three), the International Institute for Democracy recorded a regression in global democratic development for the sixth consecutive year. The consequences of this ominous trend are as devastating for people's life plans and freedom as any economic downturn can be.

The fact that authoritarian regimes also undermine democratic values and institutions beyond their own borders contributes to this loss of trust.

Excellencies
Ladies and gentlemen

Trust is quickly frittered away, but is hard to win back. In terms of innovation, investment and economic development, it is not simply ‘nice to have’, it is essential!

But let me explain why I have confidence nevertheless, what steps I believe are needed to restore international trust, and what Switzerland can do to help.

It may be frightening to look back and identify certain patterns that led to disasters in the past, but there are also positive lessons to be learned. After the Second World War, the international community established the UN, and Europe has the EU, the Council of Europe, the OSCE and now also the European Political Community.

This year we are also celebrating the seventy-fifth anniversary of the Geneva Conventions, the centrepiece of international humanitarian law. They also stand for the endeavour to rebuild broken trust and protect people from cruelty and inhumanity in times of war.

Rebuilding trust: We know it can be done! But it requires dialogue and respect, and clear rules that are universally adhered to.

So what steps are needed to restore trust on an international level?

An open and transparent exchange is a priority – among states, but also with and between organisations in the multilateral system: we must strengthen the UN and other global and regional institutions so that they can once again play their role as platforms for dialogue more effectively. This is precisely why Switzerland supports the reform agenda put forward by UN Secretary-General António Guterres.

We also need to realise that real compromises are necessary. We must prevent power politics from destroying the basis of our existence. Real progress and a societal rethink are urgently needed, especially on issues of ecological transformation. The process leading to the Summit of the Future in September must demonstrate that, despite all the difficulties, the international community is working towards common goals.
Agreements and compromises must then also be implemented. Tangible implementation is important for credibility and engenders trust. This includes a renewed respect for the UN Charter, other international treaties and other globally agreed measures.

A further threat arises from disinformation – especially today, when rapid advances in artificial intelligence allow such false information to seem ever more credible.

However, digitalisation also offers the potential for greater transparency and the sharing of knowledge and information: this can help to build trust if used correctly. Switzerland is particularly committed to promoting the global governance of artificial intelligence.

Those who base their policies on lies and ideologies may be able to score points in the short term. But in the medium and long term, they will lose trust. Good policies are based on verified facts and take scientific findings into account.

Excellencies
Ladies and gentlemen

Some sections of the public distrust all of us gathered here, and all political and business leaders in general.

‘Rebuilding trust’ is not just a task for states and politicians. Business leaders also have a role to play here. It is clear that increasing social inequalities are fuelling populism, even in prosperous countries.

If the perceived elite celebrates itself a class apart while many families can barely make ends meet, distrust grows. The international community and governments can put forward the finest proposals, but should not then be surprised if they are no longer heard or understood.

Many of you in this room have the opportunity to strengthen cohesion and social equality in your companies. It is up to you, ladies and gentlemen, to take responsibility and align your business decisions accordingly. In the long term, this is also in the interests of business leaders.

Those who make demands should also deliver. For Switzerland, this means that we are committed to establishing new trust in the world – for example through the ‘good offices’ that my country traditionally provides, or through the fact that we talk to all parties.

Switzerland's neutrality, commitment and dependability can be valuable in resolving conflicts. As a member of the UN Security Council, Switzerland also has a special responsibility this year.

We want to assist in finding solutions despite the increasing bloc mentality. International Geneva is a place where state actors and business, science and civil society representatives all come together. And every January, Davos is also such a place.

Excellencies
Ladies and gentlemen

We are not at the mercy of negative trends. We can break them. Trust and hope can be rebuilt. And we must do all we can to achieve that.

That is why we are here. So, let’s get to work! Thank you!

Opening address by President Viola Amherd at the WEF Annual Meeting