Prof. Dr. Klaus Schwab

Klaus Schwab studied at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) in Zurich as well as at the University of Fribourg (Switzerland) and Harvard University (United States), earning doctoral degrees in engineering sciences and political economy. In 1971 he founded the World Economic Forum in Davos, a non-profit foundation that provides a global platform for leaders in politics, economics, sciences, and civil society to promote global cooperation. In 1998, together with his wife, Hilde, he established the Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship, and in 2004, through the Dan David Award that had been granted to him, he launched the Forum of Young Global Leaders. From 1972 to 2002 Klaus Schwab served as professor of business policy at the University of Geneva. He has also been active as a member of various boards of directors, academic organizations, and the United Nations. He holds an honorary professorship at Ben Gurion University (Israel) and the Foreign Affairs University (China) and has been recognized by many awards for his initiatives to promote global cooperation as well as his efforts on behalf of peace and reconciliation in various regions of the world. These awards include nine honorary doctorates and a knighthood conferred by Queen Elizabeth II.