New York hosts World Economic Forum

A New York policeman guards the Waldorf-Astoria venue

BBC News Online examines this year's global business summit being held in New York

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World debate

Workers climb amid the rubble of the World Trade Center

This BBC special questions how fragile the world economy is? Analysts now agree the September 11th attacks were not in themselves an economic shock. Are the reverberations making any real economic difference to world economies?

 World Economic Forum debate: BBC special

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Thursday 31 January 2002

Globalisation forum kicks off

Former NY mayor Rudolph Giuliani says there is an economic benefit in rebuilding the city

The World Economic Forum gets underway far from its traditional home in the Swiss skiing resort of Davos. The proceedings are dominated by hopes of a rapid recovery for the US and world economies, and calls for concerted action on poverty. Anti-globalisation protests surrounding the talks remain peaceful.

 The BBC's James Coomarasamy reports.

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Build-up: Security stepped-up

Security is tight after the September 11 attacks

Millions of dollars is spent on security in New York with 4,000 police officers drafted in to deal with anti-globalisation protesters. The city hopes tourists and businesses will be encouraged to return because of the event.

 The BBC's James Coomarasamy reports.

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Build-up: The Forum

Professor Klaus Schwab founded the WEF

More than 3,000 of the world's most powerful business and politics leaders meet at the WEF. Known as Davos - after the Swiss ski resort where it was held for the past three decades - the Forum is a focal point in the business calendar.

 The BBC's Tanya Beckett reports.

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Build-up: Riots in 2001

Police deter protesters in Davos

Riot police thwart an attempt by several hundred anti-capitalist demonstrators to disrupt the summit, using water cannon to push the crowd away. But there are no reports of any arrests.

 The BBC's Claire Doole reports.