Davos 2025: Some notable quotes from the World Economic Forum meeting

Argentina's President Javier Milei delivers his speech at the Annual... — Argentina's President Javier Milei delivers his speech at the Annual Meeting of World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025. Credit: AP/Markus Schreiber

By The Associated PressUpdated January 23, 2025

DAVOS, Switzerland — Leading business and political figures attending the World Economic Forum meeting in Davos, Switzerland, have discussed and debated topics such as technology, tariffs, climate change, Ukraine, Gaza and the global economy this week. Here is some of what they said:

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“We are witnessing a backsliding in democracy everywhere in the world, even in the most advanced democracy, It is a movement into the bad — in the wrong direction." — Alain Berset, a former Swiss president who heads the Council of Europe, which defends human rights and supports democracy.

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“The common denominator for the countries that are failing is the mental virus of woke ideology. It is the great pandemic of our time that needs to be cured. It is the cancer that must be cut out.” — Javier Milei, president of Argentina.

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“If you don’t make your product in America, which is your prerogative, then very simply, you will have to pay a tariff." — U.S. President Donald Trump.

People walk during snow fall in front of the Congress... — People walk during snow fall in front of the Congress Center, center, where the World Economic Forum takes place in Davos, Switzerland, Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025. Credit: AP/Markus Schreiber

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“We’re at yet another turning point, which some see as a problem for Europe, but others call a chance. Europe must establish itself as a strong global player. Let’s not forget — there’s no ocean separating European countries from Russia." — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Europe's aid for Ukraine.

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“I hope there is an argument that can be made to Trump that this is the thing that (Joe) Biden and (Barack) Obama and (Bill) Clinton couldn’t do. You know, this is your chance to get a great big gold medal.” — Tom Fletcher, the U.N. humanitarian aid coordinator, on hopes that Trump could foster peace in the Middle East.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, left, attends a panel discussion... — NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, left, attends a panel discussion at the Annual Meeting of World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025. Credit: AP/Markus Schreiber

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"The world is undergoing an energy transition that is unstoppable.” — United Nations climate chief Simon Stiell, saying that the “door remains open” if the U.S. wants to get back into the Paris accord one day.

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“Our fossil fuel addiction is a Frankenstein monster, sparing nothing and no one. All around us, we see clear signs that the monster has become master.” -- U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres, discussing companies that backtracked on climate commitments.