On Davos’s emphasis this year: It’s very important to make globalization more compatible with the expectations of large sections of the worldwide population that feel they’re not benefiting from it.
On protests from NGOs: [Some] NGOs are ready to enter into a dialogue with the business community, and will be inside the Congress Center as discussion partners. There are other groups, and many aren’t NGOs; they’re fringe political groups opposed to the market economy in general. But the people genuinely interested in making a difference will be in the Congress Center.
On dialogue outside the Congress Center: This year we’re offering opportunities for people to provide comments via the Internet. We’re trying to open up the process for greater participation, but we don’t intend to become actors in someone else’s “street theater.” We won’t be standing in the snow arguing with demonstrators.
