World Economic Forum (WEF)

The World Economic Forum is an international non-governmental organization based in Switzerland that brings together leaders from government, business, and civil society to shape global, regional, and industrial agendas through public-private cooperation.

• It publishes key global benchmark reports, including the Global Gender Gap Report and the Global Risks Report, which serve as crucial reference points for socioeconomic policy evaluation.
• It provides a prominent international platform for public diplomacy, institutional networking, and state-level investment promotion.
• It influences international consensus on emerging governance challenges, particularly regarding the Fourth Industrial Revolution, global trade frameworks, and climate transition strategies.

In Prelims, UPSC frequently tests candidates on the specific indices and flagship reports published by the World Economic Forum. In Mains, questions frame the platform within GS Paper II and GS Paper III to assess global governance structures, public-private partnerships, and strategies for attracting foreign capital and advanced technology.

• International institutions, agencies, fora: structure, mandate GS2

• BRICS Summit
• G20 Summit
• Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit
• United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP)
• United Nations General Assembly (UNGA)