WEF President Steps Down Amid Epstein Files Scrutiny
Börge Brende, president of the World Economic Forum (WEF), has announced his resignation following more than eight years leading the organisation, in the midst of scrutiny regarding his relationship with deceased American financier Jeffrey Epstein. Brende, a former Norwegian foreign minister, previously expressed regret for not conducting more thorough due diligence concerning Epstein. Names of numerous global figures have appeared in documents related to Epstein, though their inclusion does not necessarily indicate involvement in criminal activity. Brende himself has never been accused of legal violations.
In a written statement, Brende stated that his decision to resign was made after “careful consideration”. “I believe now is the right moment for the Forum to continue its important work without distraction,” he said, according to reports from the BBC and Al Jazeera.
The WEF is widely recognised as the organiser of the annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland, which brings together political leaders, business figures, academics, and global stakeholders. The forum is frequently a space for dialogue on strategic global issues, ranging from global economics and climate change to digital transformation and geopolitical stability.
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and several ministers attended the WEF in January. At the forum, the president delivered a speech outlining the Indonesian government’s policies, whilst several ministers presented flagship government programmes.
Epstein was convicted in 2008 for recruiting minors for prostitution and was subsequently registered as a sex offender. His case has resurfaced in recent years following the public release of various legal documents.
In a separate statement, WEF co-chairs André Hoffmann and Larry Fink expressed appreciation for Brende’s contributions during his tenure as leader of the organisation. Both stated their respect for his resignation decision.
The WEF has also announced that Alois Zwinggi will serve as interim president and chief executive officer. The organisation’s board of trustees will lead the process of searching for a permanent successor.
Zwinggi previously served as managing director in the WEF’s executive body.
This resignation marks a new chapter for the WEF amid increasingly complex global dynamics, whilst simultaneously testing the forum’s ability to maintain its credibility and focus on its core mandate as a space for dialogue on global economics and governance.