World Economic, Social Forums Convene

www.voanews.com VOA News 23 Jan 2003, 08:32 UTC

Business and political leaders from across the globe have gathered in Davos, Switzerland for the opening Thursday of the World Economic Forum.

The six-day forum is expected to focus on corporate ethics, terrorism, and Iraq. The meeting is being held amid tight security to protect high profile guests. Jordan's King Abdullah, Microsoft founder Bill Gates, and U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell are all scheduled to attend.

Participants are expected to discuss the global effects of the corporate scandals that plagued the business world last year. They will also examine the effects of the international war on terrorism and the possibility of a U.S.-led war in Iraq.

The forum in Davos coincides with the World Social Forum in Porto Alegre, Brazil. There, as many as 100,000 anti-globalization advocates are expected to discuss the financial problems of the developing world, threats to the environment, and human rights issues.

Brazil's new president, Luis Inacio Lula da Silva, is expected to attend both events to deliver speeches on hunger and poverty.