NEARLY 65 WORLD LEADERS TO JOIN GLOBAL ELITE IN DAVOS NEXT WEEK

BERLIN, Jan 14 (Bernama-dpa) -- World leaders including US President Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Syrian interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa will address the World Economic Forum's annual gathering in Davos next week, reported German news agency dpa.

Organisers said on Tuesday that 64 heads of state and government — including six G7 leaders — will take part in the elite conference in the Swiss ski resort. 

The meeting comes against a dizzying geopolitical backdrop, with Trump's return to power shaking up traditional alliances as wars, unrest and rapid technological change add to global uncertainty.

This year's forum is held under the theme "A Spirit of Dialogue," with discussions expected on issues including the war in Ukraine, the protests rocking Iran and the future of Gaza and Venezuela.

Trump attended the forum in person in 2018 and 2020 during his first presidency, using it as an opportunity to tout his "American First" agenda.

Last year, just days after being sworn in for a second term, he addressed the meeting by video link, criticising European regulators for what he called overly strict rules on technology firms, urging investment in the United States and warning of tariffs on foreign goods.

The Davos forum has also long served as a venue for informal diplomacy. This year’s gathering could again host discussions on possible paths toward ending Russia’s war in Ukraine on the sidelines of the event.

Also among the attendees are the prime ministers of Canada, Spain and Pakistan, as well as the presidents of Israel, Argentina and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Chief executives from major technology firms, including Nvidia, Microsoft and Anthropic, are also expected.

--BERNAMA-dpa