The World Economic Forum announced Thursday that it plans to convene its annual meeting of world leaders again in Davos-Klosters, Switzerland in 2022, its first gathering there since 2020 after this year’s event was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Swiss resort could not host the 2021 WEF edition due to the severity of the COVID-19 pandemic in the Alpine country, and it was scheduled to be held in August in Singapore, but the coronavirus outbreak also forced its cancelation.

“The pandemic has brought far-reaching changes. In a world full of uncertainty and tension, personal dialogue is more important than ever,” Klaus Schwab, WEF founder and executive chairman, said in a statement.

“Leaders have an obligation to work together and rebuild trust, increase global cooperation, and work towards sustainable, bold solutions.”

It will use the theme Working Together, Restoring Trust, and will take place in the Swiss winter resort from Jan. 17-21.

WEF said the meeting will be the first global leadership event to set the agenda for a sustainable recovery.

It said the pandemic has exacerbated fractures across society.

“It is a critical year for leaders to come together and shape the necessary partnerships and policies. The meeting will bring together forward-thinking leaders to drive multistakeholder collaboration and address the world’s most pressing economic, political and societal challenges.”

WEF said the well-being of participants, staff, service providers, and hosts are a priority, and it is working closely with the Swiss authorities, experts, and national and international health organizations to implement measures for the 2022 gathering.

Davos-Klosters, in southeastern Switzerland, had hosted each annual event since the first meeting in 1971. In 2002, it was held in New York to show solidarity for the victims of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. (Anadolu Agency)

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