The Executive Chairman of the World Economic Forum, Professor Klaus Schwab, announced on September 15th that the Board of Trustees of the Forum has nominated Børge Brende, presently Foreign Minister of Norway, to the new role of President of the World Economic Forum. The President will chair the Managing Board, which has collective responsibility for the successful execution of the Forum’s strategies and activities.
Børge Brende will work closely together with Professor Klaus Schwab who, as Executive Chairman, remains responsible for the overall strategic development of the World Economic Forum.
Klaus Schwab said: “The World Economic Forum has entered a new phase, reflecting the increased need for collaborative efforts of governments, business and civil society to address the manifold challenges we face. Børge Brende has the leadership and political experience to ensure our increased relevance for international cooperation. He has served Norway with distinction, and during his previous service as a Managing Board member he has also contributed to the mission-oriented spirit of the World Economic Forum.”
Peter Brabeck-Letmathe, Vice-Chairman of the Board of Trustees, said: “The Board welcomes the separation of the functions of Executive Chairman and President, foreseen last year in the revision of the statutes and regulations of the World Economic Forum when it became the International Organisation for Public-Private Cooperation. I am confident that with the vision of Klaus Schwab, the leadership quality of Børge Brende and the top level experience of the Managing Board members, we have the best team in place to continue and to enhance the successful development of the World Economic Forum, particularly now when cooperation is needed more than ever to shape our future.”
Børge Brende said: “I am truly looking forward to taking on the role of President of the World Economic Forum. I am excited by this opportunity to work with Professor Schwab and colleagues to further enhance the global impact of the Forum. In a time of unprecedented unpredictability there has never been a more critical need for an independent and impartial organisation for public-private cooperation”.
The Board of Trustees of the World Economic Forum expresses its special appreciation to the Prime Minister of Norway, Erna Solberg, who has positively reacted to our request and graciously supports this international role of Børge Brende.