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Economist, Founder of the World Economic Forum
Professor Klaus Schwab founded the World Economic Forum in 1971 with the belief that lasting progress requires cooperation between business, government, and civil society. Over five decades, he championed multi-stakeholder collaboration as a way to address global, regional, and industry challenges.
Under his leadership, the Forum grew from a European management symposium into a global institution with offices in Geneva, New York, San Francisco, Beijing, and Tokyo, and launched initiatives such as the Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship, the Forum of Young Global Leaders, and the Global Shapers Community.
His academic work introduced ideas such as stakeholder capitalism, the Fourth Industrial Revolution, and corporate global citizenship.
Professor Schwab retired from his roles at the Forum in 2025. His founding vision—of leaders working together across sectors for the common good—continues to guide the Forum’s mission.
Photo: World Economic Forum
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