Take 1,000 managers from the world's leading companies, add around 40 heads of state plus more than 250 other prominent politicians and officials, fly in several plane-loads of top economists, throw in some 250 chief editors of the world's media - sprinkle with dozens of academics, experts and a few artists and you have the recipe for a pretty exclusive soufflé called the World Economic Forum.

Since 1971 leaders from the world of business and politics have been meeting annually in the Swiss ski resort Davos to discuss global affairs. This year, their get-together lasts from January 29 until February 3.

Attendance is by invitation only, and some say it is a gathering of "people who think they run the world." They probably do.

The organisers are expecting more than 2,000 participants this year, but insist that the size is "strictly limited ... as to maintain a club-like atmosphere and foster true interaction."

Americans would call it schmoozing; management consultants speak of networking: The World Economic Forum provides an unrivalled opportunity for business leaders and politicians to chat, make contacts and exchange notes in an informal atmosphere. Participants enthuse about the "esprit de Davos".

Tackling the world's problems

Officially, however, the men (and a few women) are in Davos to discuss, if not solve, the world's problems.

"Priorities for the 21st century" was to be the agenda for this year's meeting. Even the organisers conceded that this "may" have been a little bit ambitious. But the crisis embroiling Asia's financial markets has forced a rethink.

"Agenda 98: Managing volatility" is now the Forum's second theme, and to discuss the crisis top government officials from around the world are sitting down with investors, speculators, trade unionists, heads of central banks and the bosses of the World Bank and World Trade Organisation.

But most of the talking and networking will take place on the sidelines of the big debates. The organisers have set up numerous lectures, panels and discussion groups, and to really enjoy the Davos experience, participants must be Renaissance men.

An excerpt from the 300-page programme: Europe and globalisation. Reflections on 20th century art. The future of Russia, China, Japan. Medicine and ethics. Economic reforms in Latin America. Global warming. Islam and democracy. Corporate leadership. Will robots rule the world? And many, many topics more.

Talking 'bout a revolution ... on the Web

In 1997 the Forum's official theme was "Building the network society", and most of the heavy-weights of the Internet age were in Davos to discuss it. They have returned this year to talk about cybercrime, the Millennium bug, the government's role in cyberspace, electronic cash and other concerns.

First and foremost among them is Bill Gates; other big names are Stephen Case of America Online and Larry Ellison of Oracle.

Cynics, however, predict that the Forum's main talking point will not be on the agenda: President Clinton's trouble. Only one participant is not expected to mention the issue: Hillary Clinton, who is due to arrive in Davos on Sunday evening.
 

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