Author: [NZZ Editorial Team] | Source: NZZ.ch | Publication Date: 25.10.2025 | Summary Reading Time: 3 minutes
Executive Summary
The World Economic Forum (WEF) is experiencing its most severe crisis after 55 years: Klaus Schwab had to step down as founder following governance accusations. For 2026, the WEF is banking on Donald Trump's personal participation as a draw, but the long-term strategic realignment remains unclear. Switzerland faces the opportunity to fundamentally renew the traditional forum and secure its global relevance.
Core Issue & Context
The WEF is experiencing its greatest upheaval in 2025 since its founding in 1971. Anonymous accusations from former employees regarding inadequate corporate governance led to the inglorious departure of founder couple Klaus and Hilde Schwab. At the same time, Trump's announced participation in 2026 offers a short-term stabilization opportunity.
Key Facts & Figures
• 55 years of WEF history - most severe crisis since inception • 2025: Departure of founder Klaus Schwab and wife Hilde • 2026: Trump announced personal participation in Davos (after video link in 2025) • Accusations: Lack of separation between private and business interests • Status: Anonymous allegations from former employees led to leadership change
Stakeholders & Those Affected
• World Economic Forum - existential realignment required • Swiss location Davos - tourism and economic impacts • Global economic elites - traditional networking venue in crisis • Politics and media - international attention on governance issues
Opportunities & Risks
Opportunities: • Trump factor could increase international attention and participant numbers • Fresh start enables modern governance structures • Swiss location advantage with successful transformation
Risks: • Reputational damage from governance scandal has lasting effects • Dependence on individual personalities (Trump) shows structural weakness • Long-term relevance of the forum endangered without clear strategic vision
Action Relevance
The short-term Trump strategy may work for 2026, but does not solve the fundamental structural problems of the WEF. Swiss decision-makers must promptly develop a long-term vision for the future of the forum to secure the Davos location and international significance.
⚠️ Note: The article appears to be incomplete as it ends abruptly. Further details on strategic alignment were not available.
References
Primary Source: • The Future of the WEF: Trump, Davos and the Swiss Opportunity - NZZ
Verification Status: ✅ Facts checked on 25.10.2025
Note: Due to the incompleteness of the source article, this summary is based on available text fragments. A complete analysis would require the full article text.