SINGAPORE, Nov 8 — The World Economic Forum (WEF) Special Annual Meeting will be held here in May 2021, according to the republic’s Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI).
The Special Annual Meeting will bring together the world’s top leaders in government, business and academia to address some of the more pressing issues facing the world.
It aims to galvanise action to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, and facilitate discussions on technology and trade governance.
“As the world battles Covid-19, there is an even greater impetus for countries to cooperate, collaborate, and partner each other to address pressing global issues,” MTI minister Chan Chun Sing said in a statement issued Monday.
“The WEF Special Annual Meeting is a key platform for such conversations to take place. WEF’s decision to hold its 2021 Special Annual Meeting in Singapore is an affirmation of Singapore’s ability to provide a safe, neutral and conducive venue for global leaders to meet.
“Despite the ongoing pandemic, we are confident that Singapore will be able to continue maintaining public health and safety while supporting the WEF’s mission to effect positive change through collaboration and engagement,” said Chan.
For the first time, MTI said the Special Annual Meeting will also comprise a virtual component to allow greater participation amidst the Covid-19 pandemic.
As Singapore works towards hosting the event, the ministry said the health and safety of both the local community and event attendees will be its foremost priority.
These protocols include safe management measures such as on-arrival tests, pre-event and periodic antigen testing, as well as contact tracing of attendees.
All international conferences held in Singapore will similarly adhere to strict public health and safety measures, said the ministry.
This is the second time the WEF Special Annual Meeting will be held outside of Switzerland since its establishment in 1971 and the first time it will be held in Asia.
— Bernama
