Trump set for Davos virtual appearance

The World Economic Forum will convene its 55th annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland next week, which expects around 3,000 participants, including senior officials and business leaders, from 130 countries.

Borge Brende, president and CEO of the WEF, told media at an online briefing on Tuesday that the forum is expecting online participation from United States president-elect Donald Trump, which will be Trump's first appearance in such an event after he is sworn in on Jan 20.

"He has joined twice physically in Davos before… On Thursday afternoon, he will join us digitally online, live in the dialogue with our participants," Brende said. "We think that will be a very special moment also to learn more what the new administration has (in terms) of policy priorities."

The theme of this year's meeting is "Collaboration for the Intelligent Age", where around 350 government leaders and 900 CEOs of large companies will be discussing pressing issues, such as preventing future pandemics, fighting climate change, and managing artificial intelligence applications.

Brende said the meeting is taking place against the most complicated geopolitical backdrop in generations. "Still in that fragmented and partly polarized world, there are still areas where we can collaborate," he said. "We are ready to roll up our sleeves to make the best out of a situation where we are faced with many, many challenges."