Davos through the lens of an insider - 'shops left like empty eyes' #WEF20

Loading player...
The name Davos is almost interchangeable with the World Economic Forum, even though WEF holds several other international meetings every year. For five hectic days, the world's elite come to a tiny town in the Alps where it becomes the place to be heard and the place to be seen. This year, at WEF's 50th anniversary,  the discussion on the tables was the increasing revolt of people around the world against economic elites which they feel betrayed them and that "efforts to keep global warming limited to 1.5°C are falling dangerously short." And it did seem as if Greta Thunberg’s call to the forum last year that it’s time to panic about climate change might be finally starting to hit home as attendees showed more alarm at the teenage activist’s message. Companies and governments are likely to be increasingly measured against a scorecard on how they shape up to a form of capitalism where not only the shareholders, but the planet and communities are also taken into account. But what happens to Davos once everybody has packed up and leave? Biznews spoke to a local newspaper editor and resident, Barbara Gassler who has for the past years hosted the team. Barbara who likes a big jug of tea every morning and evening, tells a story of a town with "shops left like empty eyes" and how the "fair" that accompanies the WEF has evolved into an uncontrollable beast. - Linda van Tilburg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
27 Jan 2020 2AM English South Africa Investing · Business News

Other recent episodes

BNC#8; John Endres Q&A - Jobs, politics and the investment freeze no one wants to admit

South Africa’s future hinges on one simple truth: jobs come from growth, and growth comes from political choices. This sharp discussion unpacks how policy, ideology, and global alignment are choking investment and costing livelihoods. Inside the ANC, paralysis, fear, and patronage block reform - despite clear evidence of what works…
10 Apr 9AM 32 min

Roy Tilley: The municipal "Rates Randage Monster" strangling South Africa's property owners

Durban businessman Roy Tilley says a deeply flawed municipal rates formula is pushing property owners and small businesses toward a financial breaking point. In this interview, the Queensmead industrial property owner explains why he believes ever-rising rates are becoming impossible to absorb, hurting tenants, jobs and investment, and argues that…
10 Apr 9AM 20 min

BNC#8: Magnus Heystek Q&A - The brutal truth about South Africa’s financial future

A sharp, no-holds-barred conversation on South Africa’s financial reality - rising offshore limits, shrinking property values, and the struggle for economic revival. From Johannesburg’s decline to gold’s surge, and investor psychology to policy failures, this discussion cuts through the noise. It’s a candid look at risk, resilience, and the tough…
10 Apr 6AM 34 min