World Economic Forum Set to Hold Historic August Summit in Singapore
The World Economic Forum (WEF) is pushing ahead with plans to bring its big‑picture gathering to Singapore this August, after having postponed the event twice this year. The final size of the meeting will hinge on how COVID‑19 concerns evolve, said WEF president Borge Brende during a recent interview with Reuters.
Why Singapore?
- Brende and a small WEF delegation stayed at the iconic Marina Bay Sands for a brief visit.
- Singapore’s robust testing regime and strict “bubble” protocols aim to keep quasi‑quarantines at bay.
- Brende said the government will decide on entry requirements, but that everyone who qualifies will be welcomed, regardless of vaccination status.
Target Attendance & Flexibility
“We hope to see at least 1,000 leaders—politicians, business magnates, and civil society champions—at the summit,” Brende mused. “If we can’t host the full slate in August, we’ll scale the event up or down. The main question is: how big can we make it?”
Planning A Talks Kinetic Boarding
During talks with high‑ranking officials— including Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong— Brende covered health protocols, agenda priorities, and strategies to encourage U.S. and Chinese participation, hoping to improve trust between the two global giants.
Vaccinated Attendees at the Ready
- Singapore may relax travel restrictions for those fully vaccinated—including WEF participants.
- The country has largely managed the virus locally, bolstering confidence in a safe, bubble‑free event.
In Short
WEF plans to bring a well‑packed August summit to Singapore, eyes a 1,000‑strong turnout, and leans on rigorous testing and a health “bubble” to sidestep quarantine. The city-state’s secure environment and strong ties with the U.S. and China make it an ideal home for the forum’s high‑level discussions.
