Editor’s Note: CNN anchors Richard Quest, John Defterios and Nina dos Santos were at the World Economic Forum in Davos, asking the globe’s political and economic leaders what we can expect in 2014. See all CNN’s coverage here, read what they thought of the event below, and tell us what you think in the comments.
Story highlights
CNN's Richard Quest, John Defterios and Nina dos Santos give their views on Davos
Quest argues it needs to change and "reshape itself" before it tackles the world
Dos Santos argues Davos revealed significant inequality -- in its many different forms
Defterios says the star guest was Iran's Rouhani, as judged by how he stopped the room
RICHARD QUEST SAYS: As I headed down the mountainside after the World Economic Forum, it became clear: The theme, “Reshaping the World,” should be attached to the event itself.
I have already tweeted my personal conclusion to the forum: A missed opportunity to start a dialogue on real change. It had an overloaded agenda and too many corporate executives with no idea what they were supposed to be doing besides seeing clients and drumming up business.
I don’t mean there should be fewer participants. WEF constantly reminds me the number is steady, at around 2,500. But there are now so many advisers, spokesmen and assistants who attend, that 2,500 is multiplied many times. Access is more difficult, honesty becomes harder. To quote the musical Mary Poppins, it’s “a ghastly mess.”
It’ll always need the Big Star. This year’s was Iran President Hassan Rouhani who said nothing new, but in a very engaging way. There is nothing wrong with a Las Vegas-style headliner to draw ‘em in. It’s the other “stuff” that gets in the way. Keep it Simple.
The symptoms are everywhere.
Walking along the Promenade, I was horrified with the numbers of Audis, BMWs, and Mercedes causing a massive traffic jam. Limos are fine for prime ministers or presidents who need the security, but there’s no need for CEOs or executive to have one as a status sy