Annual Report 2021-2022
This past year marked a return to familiar territory for the World Economic Forum. The fact that it was possible to meet again after a forced interruption due to COVID was an important milestone in and of itself. It allowed constituents, including business, government and NGO leaders, to strengthen existing bonds and build new ones. The World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2022 integrated projects and initiatives that were launched virtually over the previous two-and-a-half years – work that addresses urgent humanitarian, security and economic challenges as well as long-standing environmental and societal priorities.
1. Chairman’s Statement
“As you read this Annual Report, you will see the concrete progress that our organization has made in a variety of initiatives. You will see how our engagement with business, government, civil society and the young generation has evolved and deepened. But what we are most proud of this year is that we have continued to be a bridge-builder in a world where international cooperation is increasingly under pressure.”
—Klaus Schwab, Founder and Executive Chairman
2. President’s Statement
“What we have seen over the past year is that the core principles that have guided the Forum since its inception are more vital than ever before, namely, the need for business to serve as a key actor and as a close partner with government in advancing effective, sustainable outcomes to societal and global priorities.”
—Børge Brende, President of the Managing Board
3. Centres
The World Economic Forum’s five centres ensure the integration of political, economic, social and ecological aspects into everything it does:
- The Centre for Regional and Global Cooperation is at the heart of the Forum’s work, convening leaders to deliver cooperative approaches that solve critical global challenges.
- The Centre for Industry Transformation helps leaders navigate competing priorities and pressures to deliver on both growth and the transition to more sustainable, inclusive and equitable societies.
- The Centre for Nature and Climate seeks to safeguard the global commons, by driving climate action, developing a nature-positive economy, regenerating food, water and ocean systems as well as improving resource management and preventing pollution.
- The Centre for the New Economy and Society aims to shape prosperous, resilient and equitable economies and societies that create opportunity for all.
- The Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution helps leaders anticipate, understand and shape the trajectory of technological change for human-centred outcomes.
4. Core Functions
The Forum is committed to improving the state of the world by:
- Catalysing impact-driven partnerships
- Convening leaders from business, governments, academia and society at large at global events
- Communicating its work to the world through robust, data-driven public engagement
- Leveraging technology and driving digital innovation in its services
- Reinforcing a positive work environment for all employees
- Optimizing its finance and operations to achieve its mission
5. Offices
The World Economic Forum is headquartered in Geneva and is present in Beijing, New York, San Francisco, Tokyo and Mumbai.
6. Foundations
The Forum engages with youth through the Forum of Young Global Leaders and the Global Shapers Community. It also works with social innovators through the Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship.
7. Leadership and Governance
The World Economic Forum is chaired by Founder and Executive Chairman Professor Klaus Schwab. It is guided by its Board of Trustees and managed by its Managing Board.
8. Consolidated Financial Statements
Among revenues, in the past year Membership and Partnership contributions remained high at CHF 247.7 million.
9. Measuring Stakeholder Capitalism: Metrics and Disclosures
The World Economic Forum Stakeholder Capitalism Metrics reveal the Forum’s performance on four environmental, social and corporate governance pillars: Principles of Governance, Planet, People and Prosperity.