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World Economic Forum President Steps Down Amid Epstein Connection Scrutiny
Børge Brende announced Thursday he is resigning as president and chief executive of the World Economic Forum following an internal review of his contacts with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The former Norwegian foreign minister did not directly reference the Epstein controversy in his resignation statement, saying only that he had made the decision “after careful consideration” and believes “now is the right moment for the Forum to continue its important work without distractions.”
The World Economic Forum, best known for hosting the elite annual gathering of global business and political leaders in Davos, Switzerland, had launched an investigation earlier this month after documents revealed that Brende had dined with Epstein multiple times and exchanged messages with him.
WEF co-chairs André Hoffmann and Larry Fink confirmed the completion of the independent review in their statement, noting that “the findings stated that there were no additional concerns beyond what has been previously disclosed.” They announced that Alois Zwinggi will serve as the organization’s interim president and CEO.
Brende had previously told Norwegian broadcaster NRK that he was fully cooperating with the investigation. He maintained that his interactions with Epstein were strictly professional and that he had been unaware of Epstein’s criminal history at the time of their meetings.
The resignation marks a significant leadership change for one of the world’s most influential economic organizations. The WEF has positioned itself as a key platform for global cooperation on economic, social, and environmental challenges through its annual Davos summit, which attracts heads of state, corporate executives, and prominent thought leaders from around the world.
Brende, who served as Norway’s foreign minister from 2013 to 2017, is one of several high-profile Norwegians who have come under scrutiny following the latest release of Epstein-related files. His departure comes at a time when the WEF is preparing for its next major summit in January 2024.
The controversy surrounding Brende reflects the ongoing fallout from the Epstein scandal, which has implicated numerous powerful figures across politics, business, and academia. Epstein, who died by suicide in a Manhattan jail cell in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges, maintained an extensive network of relationships with prominent individuals before his criminal activities became widely known.
For the World Economic Forum, Brende’s resignation represents a challenging moment in its 50-year history. Founded in 1971 by German economist Klaus Schwab, the organization has evolved from a European business conference to a global institution that promotes public-private cooperation on major world issues.
The Forum has faced criticism in recent years from those who view it as a symbol of elite globalization disconnected from ordinary people’s concerns. However, it continues to wield significant influence in shaping economic policy discussions and fostering international business relationships.
Brende’s statement expressed gratitude “for the incredible collaboration with my colleagues, partners, and constituents” during his tenure. Before becoming WEF president in 2017, Brende had previously served in multiple Norwegian cabinet positions, including as minister of trade and industry and minister of the environment.
The organization did not provide details on the timeline for selecting a permanent replacement, though the leadership transition comes at a critical moment as the WEF prepares for its flagship Davos event amid global economic uncertainty, geopolitical tensions, and rapid technological change.
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7 Comments
Stepping down was the right call for Brende, given the scrutiny over his links to Epstein. The WEF needs to maintain public trust, and this change in leadership may help them do that.
The WEF’s work is important, but it’s understandable that Brende’s resignation was necessary to avoid further distractions. Transparency and accountability should be the top priorities going forward.
The WEF is an influential global platform, so it’s critical they maintain the highest standards of integrity. Brende’s resignation is a step in the right direction, but the organization should remain vigilant in its governance and oversight.
While the Epstein connection is troubling, I’m glad the review found no further issues. The WEF plays a vital role in addressing global challenges, and I hope they can move forward productively under new leadership.
This is a concerning development for the WEF, but I’m hopeful the organization can regain its footing under new leadership. Maintaining high ethical standards is crucial for an entity of this global influence.
While Brende’s connections to Epstein are concerning, I’m glad the review found no additional issues beyond what was already disclosed. The WEF has an important role to play, and I hope they can move forward without further distractions.
It’s good that Brende has stepped down to allow the WEF to continue its work unimpeded. Transparency and accountability are crucial for an organization of this stature. Hopefully, this will help restore public trust in the WEF’s mission and activities.