Against the backdrop of pandemic-caused economic shocks and social disruptions, the World Economic Forum hosts world and business leaders for its annual meeting. Headquartered in Davos, Switzerland the mission of the forum is to foster global economic cooperation. The January 17th through 21st meetings take place virtually for the second year in a row.

“As new virus variants emerge, the global economy faces increasing uncertainty," noted Eric LeCompte, a United Nations finance expert and Executive Director of the religious development group Jubilee USA Network. Jubilee USA Network monitors the work of the World Economic Forum. “Inflation, supply chain disruptions, growing social discontent and the lack of recovery in developing countries are all big concerns at this year's forum."

The World Bank projects half of developing countries will spend less in 2023 than they did in 2019. On January 1st, 46 countries benefiting from a G20 pandemic-related debt payment suspension initiative had to resume debt payments.

"Developing countries are struggling with rising debt levels and revenue loss," stated LeCompte. "With no certain recovery in sight, parts of the private sector are wrestling with economic losses during the Davos meetings."