World Ecomomic Forum

The World Economic Forum today objected to the use of the “Davos” brand in connection with other events, such as Saudi Arabia’s Future Investment Initiative set to begin Oct. 23.

In its statement, the WEF says it “draws attention to its policy not to organize conferences on behalf of a specific government, always preserving its independence and impartiality.”

It maintains the use of the Davos brand for any other event other than the annual winter confab of the globe’s high-rollers and celebrities in the Swiss town “can only lead to confusion and may mislead the public, members of the World Economic Forum and the media as it may imply that the World Economic Forum is responsible for, or part of, that event.”

The WEF and Davos promise to use all means to protect the Davos brand against illicit appropriation.

More than 30 heads of states and 1,000 top business executives have confirmed that they will be attending the 2019 Davos meeting.

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s event has been rocked by high-profile desertions following the torture, dismemberment and murder of Saudi dissident and Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi.