Here is who is going to the World Economic Forum 2019 in Davos
Thousands of business, political and cultural leaders from all over the world will return to the snowy mountains of Davos, Switzerland next week to discuss the latest global issues.
The main theme of this year’s World Economic Forum (WEF) is “Globalization 4.0: Shaping a New Architecture in the Age of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.”
The annual gathering of the rich and powerful is scheduled to begin on Tuesday, January 22, and end on Friday, January 25.
CNBC takes a look at some of the most prominent leaders expected to make an appearance.
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Bill Gates
Billionaire philanthropist and Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates is expected to visit the Swiss Alpine town of Davos once again in 2019.
He is due to take part in a discussion focused on financial innovation for global health.
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Christine Lagarde
Christine Lagarde is expected to take part in several panel sessions at WEF in Davos next week.
Lagarde, the managing director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), became the first woman to head the Washington-based institute in 2011, following a career in international law and the French government.
The WEF conference has been criticized in previous years for lacking female representation.
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David Attenborough
U.K. naturalist and broadcaster David Attenborough is set to be recognized as an “exceptional cultural leader” at the Annual Crystal Awards ceremony in Davos on Monday.
With a broadcasting career spanning six decades, the 92-year-old is scheduled to present key sequences from “Our Planet” in Davos.
“Our Planet” is a new Netflix series focusing on the preservation of life on earth.
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Jacinda Ardern
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern is also set to attend WEF at Davos in 2019. She is set to take part in panel sessions discussing a range of issues, from mental health to the safeguarding of earth.
In June last year, Ardern became the first woman in the country’s history to give birth while in office. She also became the country’s youngest prime minister when she took office through a coalition deal in 2017.
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Steven Mnuchin
U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin is expected to lead a smaller-than-expected group of White House delegates to Switzerland this year.
It comes after President Donald Trump announced on Twitter last week that he would not be attending WEF at Davos in 2019. The U.S. president cited an ongoing standoff with Democrats over border wall funding.
The U.S. government shutdown has entered its 25th day and is the longest shutdown on record.
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Will.I.Am
The American musician and tech entrepreneur Will.I.Am has become a frequent visitor to the Swiss Alps in recent years.
The Black Eyed Peas frontman, who was raised in one of the poorest neighborhoods in Los Angeles, started a foundation seven years ago where children have the chance to study about robotics and computer software.
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Prince William
The Duke of Cambridge, Prince William, is expected to arrive in Switzerland next week to take part in a conversation with David Attenborough and a session discussing mental health.
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Al Gore
Former Vice President Al Gore will once again join thousands of other global elites in Switzerland next week.
The environmental activist is scheduled to take part in a session focused on the so-called “ocean economy.” Gore will also chair a discussion on how to safeguard the earth.
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David Blaine
U.S. illusionist David Blaine is expected to take part in a one-on-one interview session entitled “Searching for Magic in Real Life” at WEF in Davos next week.
The thrill-seeking performer originally made his name in New York as a magician and endurance artist.
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Tim Berners-Lee
Tim Berners-Lee, a London-born computer scientist who invented the world wide web, is expected to discuss digital environment safety at WEF in Davos.
In an interview with CNBC late last year, Berners-Lee said the internet was at a “tipping point,” as it faces threats such as market concentration, data breaches and so-called “fake news.”
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Chrystia Freeland
Canada’s Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland will attend the annual gathering of world leaders in Switzerland next week.
Alongside U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and others, Freeland is expected to take part in a panel session entitled “The Geopolitical Outlook.”
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Dara Khosrowshahi
Dara Khosrowshahi, chief executive officer of Uber, will return to the Swiss Alps next week to discuss how capitalism can be reshaped to promote inclusive prosperity.
The former Expedia chef executive was appointed by Uber in August 2017, replacing co-founder Travis Kalanick after months of turmoil.