26th – 28th January, 2011
The Duke attends the World Economic Forum in Davos
The Duke of York attended the World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland, where he conducted 29 engagements in two days. This was his fifth Annual Meeting.
The Duke attended Davos in his role as the UK’s Special Representative for International Trade and Investment. Speaking with Heads of State, Ministers and Chief Executives alike, His Royal Highness stressed the need to identify where organisations can work together, across borders, to add value to the global economy, mutually benefiting those providing the goods and services, and those consuming them. The Duke discussed industries and projects where the UK may be able to offer its expertise and support in enhancing the value of such opportunities.
Thursday 27th January
During the day, His Royal Highness attended meetings with key figures from foreign governments including the Mexican Minister of Finance and Secretary of Economy, the Deputy Prime Minister of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, the Executive Director, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, the Deputy Chairman and Executive Director, Government of Singapore Investment Corporation, The President of Mongolia, The President of the Republic of South Africa, The President of Ukraine, the Indonesian Minister of Trade, and the Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The Duke’s meetings with global business leaders included the Executive Chairman of PublicisLive, the Chairman of Novacem, the Chief Executive of Rio Tinto, and the President and Chief Executive Officer, Europe, Middle East and Africa CNBC.
In the evening, His Royal Highness hosted a UK Reception. This event was attended by 250 people, bringing together international political and business leaders with interests in the UK. At the Reception, His Royal Highness encouraged politicians and business leaders to identify opportunities where successful partnerships with the UK are driven by the ability to add value on a global basis, beyond national economic boundaries.
His Royal Highness subsequently attended a Reception given by The President of the Republic of Indonesia at the Morosani Schweitzerhof Hotel, and later attended a Dinner given by Bombardier at the Morosani Posthotel.
Friday 28th January
In addition to a full schedule of bilateral meetings, His Royal Highness also attended the Informal Gathering of World Economic Leaders seminars, entitled “Toward a New Global Growth Model” and “Global Health Co-operation”.
The bilateral meetings included The President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand, the Minister of International Trade and Industry of Malaysia and the Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Region of the Republic of Iraq. Meetings with business leaders included the Chairman of BP, the Chief Executive, Investment Bank, JPMorgan Chase, the Chairman of the China Banking Regulatory Commission and The President of Tanzania.
In the evening, The Duke hosted a Dinner for an international group of business leaders.