Davos: an opportunity for transformative change

At this year’s World Economic Forum in Davos, business and political leaders will come together to address the pressing issues of today before delving into the challenges of the future.

According to the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR), there are over 110 million forcibly displaced people worldwide, this ever-escalating global refugee crisis demands immediate attention from business and political leaders. As the extreme threat of climate change and rising global conflicts continue to envelope the globe, people fleeing their homes must be given the opportunity to resettle and begin their lives anew, working and flourishing in their adopted countries. Davos brings together decision makers from all over the world and this year, especially, it should provide this crucial forum for us to try and find solutions to these very present issues which threaten the lives of so many people.

After 11 years attending Davos, I have witnessed the overarching themes that have shaped individual forums. This year, as we address how to achieve security and cooperation in a fractured world, increasing parity in communities must be central. We must develop thoughtful policies which promote and develop our workforces. Here at Menzies Aviation, diversifying our workforce and helping our communities is paramount, which is why we are committed to our partnership with Tent Partnership for Refugees.

According to the Conference Board, across Europe, the UK, Australia, and Africa, blue-collar workforces are shrinking due to a near net-zero level of growth. With the blue-collar workforce in need of a personnel influx, migrants and refugees represent an exceptional opportunity to re-invigorate economies and solve the blue-collar shortage.

As discussed in a report published by Amnesty International, we must advance legislation that creates safe routes to sanctuary, saving the lives of those fleeing persecution or the impact of climate change, and protecting refugees from discrimination, human trafficking, or poverty. Asylum is a human right, and business and world leaders must formulate actionable solutions during this year’s WEF Annual Forum to protect the millions of people in search of a safer, better life.

We know that AI is set to lead the conversation at WEF, and there is no doubt it will be a cornerstone of work in the future, but the traditional workforce and the people who drive it must be our priority. We must focus on solving the problems of today before discussing the challenges of tomorrow.

Together we can create a more prosperous present for all.