Annual economic forum in Davos to focus on 4th Industrial Revolution

The 46th World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting will convene from Jan. 20 to 23 in Davos-Klosters, Switzerland, under the theme "Mastering the Fourth Industrial Revolution."

The theme refers to the ongoing transformation of society and economy, driven by advances in artificial intelligence, robotics, autonomous vehicles, 3-D printing, nanotechnology, and other areas of science. The innovation at the intersections of these disciplines promises to change life in new and unforeseen ways and will affect every industry and society.

"The purpose of our meeting this year is to build a shared understanding of this change, which is essential if we are to shape our collective future in a way that reflects ultimately that the human being should be at the center," WEF founder and executive chairman, Klaus Schwab, said on Wednesday.

According to the WEF, learning how humankind can benefit from this so-called revolution, while addressing its challenges, is the central aim of this year's meeting.

Over 40 heads of state and government and senior officials will be present at the meeting.

The annual meeting will also welcome 1,500 business leaders to shed more lights on the 2016 global economic prospect.

More than 2,500 participants from more than 100 countries and regions will discuss ways of attaining inclusive, sustainable growth in an environment marked by continued low inflation, subdued oil and commodity prices, and widespread currency weakness.

In addition, the annual meeting will also examine how the unfolding refugee crisis and recent terrorist acts are reminders of how geo-strategic competition, renewed regionalism, and new antagonists are eroding global solidarity. Endit