World Economic, Social Forums Convene

www.voanews.com VOA News 23 Jan 2003, 13:12 UTC

The World Economic Forum has opened in Davos, Switzerland, as business and political leaders from across the globe discuss such issues as corporate ethics, terrorism and Iraq.

The six-day 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 annual 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.