Present :
Leadership – Changing Our World
Dr. Klaus Schwab is honored for his role in developing the World Economic Forum (WEF) into a major international organization.
In particular, Schwab recruited the WEF and numerous corporate
leaders to launch projects promoting social responsibility and
international peace and stability.
The World Economic Forum, based in Geneva, Switzerland, is an
independent organization committed to “improving the state of the
world.” Funded by contributions made by hundreds of the world’s leading
corporations, the Forum acts in the spirit of entrepreneurship for the
global public interest to foster economic growth and social progress.
Essentially, the Forum aims to serve its members and society by creating
partnerships between businessmen, politicians, intellectuals and other
leaders of society to “define, discuss and advance key issues on the
global agenda.”
Schwab also co-founded, with his wife Hilde, the
Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship. The foundation supports
social innovation around the world.
Schwab has been active in editorial, academic, and public service
organizations. He has also received numerous international and national
honors for initiatives undertaken in the spirit of entrepreneurship for
global public interests and for peace and reconciliation efforts in
several regions.
Schwab is the author of several books and numerous other
publications, such as the yearly Global Competitiveness Report (since
1979).
Schwab studied at the Swiss Federal Institute of
Technology and the Universities of Fribourg and Harvard. He holds
doctorate degrees in Mechanical Engineering and in Economics (summa cum
laude). He was Professor of Business Policy at the University of Geneva
between 1972 and 2003 and has an honorary professorship and six honorary
doctorates (including from the London School of Economics).
The
2004 Dan David Prize honors Dr. Schwab in the field of leadership for
his significant contribution in fostering international dialogue and
activism to resolve some of the world’s greatest issues.