Q1/2021 - Weltwirtschaftsforum Davos

Virtuelles Weltwirtschaftsforum, 25. – 29. Januar 2021

Unter der Überschrift „The Davos Agenda“[1] veranstaltete das Weltwirtschaftsforum vom 25. – 29 Januar 2021 ein virtuelles Meeting mit zahlreichen Paneldiskussionen. Zu den Keynote Speakern gehörten die Präsidentin der EU-Kommission, Ursula von der Leyen, Frankreichs Präsident Emmanuel Macron, Bundeskanzlerin Angela Merkel, der Premierminister von Singapur, Lee Hsien Loong, der chinesische Präsident Xi Jinping, der südafrikanische Präsident Cyril M. Ramaphosa, die Präsidentin der Europäischen Zentralbank Christine Lagarde, UN-Generalsekretär António Guterres, Secretary-General und der indische Premierminister Narendra Modi. Zu den Schwerpunktthemen gehörten Cybersicherheit, Digitale Wirtschaft und künstliche Intelligenz.  

UN-Generalsekretär António Guterres warnte vor einer geopolitischen Spaltung des Internets, bei dem jede Großmacht ihr „eigenes Internet“ habe, und forderte eine Weiterentwicklung des Multistakeholder-Modells für Internet Governance. „We also see fragility in cyberspace, with no consensus on how to take full profit of the digital world that we all increasingly depend on, while avoiding the risks. We are still far from putting in place the multi-stakeholder mechanisms that would ensure safe and equitable governance of cyberspace“[2].  

Der russische Präsident Vladimir Putin sprach ausführlich über die Folgen der „4. Industriellen Revolution“ für den Arbeitsmarkt und warnte vor einer weiteren Spaltung der Gesellschaft. Putin kritisierte insbesondere die US-amerikanischen Internet-Plattformen, die mittlerweile so viel Macht hätten, dass sie nicht mehr nur untereinander konkurrieren, sondern ganze Staaten herausfordern würden. „In the opinion of these companies, their monopoly is optimal for organising technological and business processes. Maybe so but society is wondering whether such monopolism meets public interests. Where is the border between successful global business, in-demand services and big data consolidation and the attempts to manage society at one’s own discretion and in a tough manner, replace legal democratic institutions and essentially usurp or restrict the natural right of people to decide for themselves how to live, what to choose and what position to express freely?[3]  

Bundeskanzlerin Angela Merkel sprach über die Defizite Deutschlands bei der Digitalisierung. „Nicht gut sahen wir aus – dieser Mangel zeigt sich bis in die heutigen Tage –, was die Digitalisierung unserer Gesellschaft angeht. Das beginnt bei der überregionalen Vernetzung der Gesundheitsämter. Das zeigt sich bei der Digitalisierung der Verwaltung. Das zeigt sich auch bei der Digitalisierung unseres Bildungssystems, etwa mit Blick auf Fernunterricht und Fernstudiengänge. Hier haben wir also auch mit unserem Konjunkturprogramm angesetzt, weil wir hier besser und schneller werden müssen. Wir wissen, dass wir hier nachzuarbeiten haben.“… Wir müssen in großer Geschwindigkeit multilaterale Antworten auf die neuen Herausforderungen der Digitalisierung finden. Ich hoffe, dass wir gerade auch mit der neuen US-amerikanischen Administration die Arbeiten der OECD zur Mindestbesteuerung von digitalen Unternehmen fortsetzen und intensivieren können und dass es uns besser gelingt, die zentrale Rolle des Wettbewerbsrechts global zu verankern, um die Entstehung von Monopolen zu verhindern. Es gibt natürlich solche Tendenzen. Darüber müssen wir auch international sprechen, denn sonst wird sich jeder allein auf unzureichende Art und Weise mit solchen Monopolstrukturen auseinandersetzen[4].  

Chinas Präsident Xi Jinping hob hervor, dass Wissenschaft, Technologie und Innovation das Schlüsselelement für menschlichen Fortschritt darstellen. Da Wissenschaft keine Grenzen kenne, sei ein auf den Prinzipien des Völkerrechts basierender „Multilateralismus“ die einzige Möglichkeit für ein friedliches Miteinander. Dabei müsse man berücksichtigen, dass unterschiedliche Staaten unterschiedliche Kulturen, Historien und soziale Systeme hätten. Die Anerkennung dieser Unterschiede sei eine Voraussetzung für Frieden, politische Stabilität und sozialen Fortschritt. „The different histories, cultures and social systems are as old as human societies, and they are the inherent features of human civilization. There will be no human civilization without diversity, and such diversity will continue to exist for as long as we can imagine. Difference in itself is no cause for alarm. What does ring the alarm is arrogance, prejudice and hatred; it is the attempt to impose hierarchy on human civilization or to force one's own history, culture and social system upon others. The right choice is for countries to pursue peaceful coexistence based on mutual respect and on expanding common ground while shelving differences, and to promote exchanges and mutual learning. This is the way to add impetus to the progress of human civilization[5].

Die Präsidentin der EU-Kommission, Ursula von der Leyen, nutzt das Weltwirtschaftsforum, um für das von der EU vorgeschlagene „Digital Economy Rulebook“ zu werben[6]. So richtig es war, dass nach dem Sturm auf das US-amerikanische Capitol der Twitter-Account von Ex-Präsident Trump gesperrt wurde, so wenig könne man es am Ende des Tages transnationalen Unternehmen überlassen, die Normen für zivilisiertes Verhalten im Cyberspace zu setzen. Das Gesetzesvorhaben der EU (Digital Service Act & Digital Market Act) sollten die konstituierenden Elemente eines solchen „Digital Economy Rulebook“ sein. Von der Leyen lud erneut die USA ein, sich an der Ausarbeitung dieses „Rulebook“ zu beteiligen. „We want it clearly laid down that internet companies take responsibility for the manner in which they disseminate, promote and remove content. No matter how tempting it may have been for Twitter to switch off President Trump's account, such serious interference with freedom of expression should not be based on company rules alone. There needs to be a framework of laws for such far-reaching decisions. This is why the Commission launched the Digital Services Act and the Digital Markets Act in December. This is our new rulebook for our digital market. I want to invite our friends in the United States to join our initiatives. Together, we could create a digital economy rulebook that is valid worldwide: It goes from data protection and privacy to the security of critical infrastructure. A body of rules based on our values: Human rights and pluralism, inclusion and the protection of privacy.“

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Q1/2021WEF
  1. [1] In: https://www.weforum.org/events/the-davos-agenda-2021
  2. [2] Special address at Davos Agenda, UN-Generalsekretär António Guterres, 25 January 2021: „We see fragility in global geopolitical divides. We continue to fear the possibility of a great fracture: the world splitting in two, with the two largest economies on Earth leading two areas with different dominant currencies, trade and financial rules, each with its own Internet, and its own zero‑sum geopolitical and military strategies. We must do everything possible to avert such a division. We need one global economy with universal respect for international law; a multipolar world with strong multilateral institutions. We also see fragility in cyberspace, with no consensus on how to take full profit of the digital world that we all increasingly depend on, while avoiding the risks. We are still far from putting in place the multi-stakeholder mechanisms that would ensure safe and equitable governance of cyberspace…. Governments, international organizations, the private sector and civil society, cities, need to work together. That is why I have been repeatedly calling for a reinvigorated, inclusive and networked multilateralism that goes beyond inter-governmental organizations. Our common direction has been clearly defined by the Sustainable Development Goals. But for the Decade of Action to be a reality we need to be calling for a New Social Contract and a New Global Deal to create equal opportunities for all and respect the rights and freedoms of all. A New Social Contract within societies is needed to enable people to live in dignity. A New Social Contract, between Governments, people, civil society, businesses and more, integrating employment, sustainable development and social protection, based on equal rights and opportunities for all. It can enable young people to live in dignity; ensure women have the same prospects and opportunities as men; and protect the sick, the vulnerable, and minorities of all kinds. Quality education and digital technology must be the two great enablers and equalizers of the Contract. A New Global Deal -- a new model for global governance -- should ensure that power, wealth and opportunities are shared more broadly and fairly at the international level. It must be based on full, inclusive and equal participation for developing countries in global institutions.“ In: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/sg/speeches/2021-01-25/special-address-davos-agenda
  3. [3] Rede von Vladimir Putin, Präsident der Russischen Förderation vor dem virtuellen Davoser Weltwirtschaftsforum, 27. Januar 2021: „There are hopes that it will be possible to reboot the old growth model connected with rapid technological development. Indeed, during the past 20 years we have created a foundation for the so-called Fourth Industrial Revolution based on the wide use of AI and automation and robotics. The coronavirus pandemic has greatly accelerated such projects and their implementation. However, this process is leading to new structural changes, I am thinking in particular of the labour market. This means that very many people could lose their jobs unless the state takes effective measures to prevent this. Most of these people are from the so-called middle class, which is the basis of any modern society. In this context, I would like to mention the second fundamental challenge of the forthcoming decade – the socio-political one. The rise of economic problems and inequality is splitting society, triggering social, racial and ethnic intolerance. Indicatively, these tensions are bursting out even in the countries with seemingly civil and democratic institutions that are designed to alleviate and stop such phenomena and excesses. The systemic socioeconomic problems are evoking such social discontent that they require special attention and real solutions. The dangerous illusion that they may be ignored or pushed into the corner is fraught with serious consequences. In this case, society will still be divided politically and socially. This is bound to happen because people are dissatisfied not by some abstract issues but by real problems that concern everyone regardless of the political views that people have or think they have. Meanwhile, real problems evoke discontent. I would like to emphasise one more important point. Modern technological giants, especially digital companies, have started playing an increasing role in the life of society. Much is being said about this now, especially regarding the events that took place during the election campaign in the US. They are not just some economic giants. In some areas, they are de facto competing with states. Their audiences consist of billions of users that pass a considerable part of their lives in these eco systems. In the opinion of these companies, their monopoly is optimal for organising technological and business processes. Maybe so but society is wondering whether such monopolism meets public interests. Where is the border between successful global business, in-demand services and big data consolidation and the attempts to manage society at one’s own discretion and in a tough manner, replace legal democratic institutions and essentially usurp or restrict the natural right of people to decide for themselves how to live, what to choose and what position to express freely? We have just seen all of these phenomena in the US and everyone understands what I am talking about now. I am confident that the overwhelming majority of people share this position, including the participants in the current event.“ In: http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/64938
  4. [4] Rede von Bundeskanzlerin Angela Merkel anlässlich des Davos-Dialogs des World Economic Forum am 26. Januar 2021 (Videokonferenz), in: https://www.bundeskanzlerin.de/bkin-de/aktuelles/rede-von-bundeskanzlerin-merkel-anlaesslich-des-davos-dialogs-des-world-economic-forum-am-26-januar-2021-videokonferenz--1844594
  5. [5] Let the Torch of Multilateralism Light up Humanity's Way Forward, Special Address by Xi Jinping President of the People's Republic of China at the World Economic Forum Virtual Event of the Davos Agenda, 25 January 2021: „The second is to abandon ideological prejudice and jointly follow a path of peaceful coexistence, mutual benefit and win-win cooperation. No two leaves in the world are identical, and no histories, cultures or social systems are the same. Each country is unique with its own history, culture and social system, and none is superior to the other. The best criteria are whether a country's history, culture and social system fit its particular situation, enjoy people's support, serve to deliver political stability, social progress and better lives, and contribute to human progress. The different histories, cultures and social systems are as old as human societies, and they are the inherent features of human civilization. There will be no human civilization without diversity, and such diversity will continue to exist for as long as we can imagine. Difference in itself is no cause for alarm. What does ring the alarm is arrogance, prejudice and hatred; it is the attempt to impose hierarchy on human civilization or to force one's own history, culture and social system upon others. The right choice is for countries to pursue peaceful coexistence based on mutual respect and on expanding common ground while shelving differences, and to promote exchanges and mutual learning. This is the way to add impetus to the progress of human civilization. … Second, we should stay committed to international law and international rules instead of seeking one's own supremacy. Ancient Chinese believed that "the law is the very foundation of governance". International governance should be based on the rules and consensus reached among us, not on the order given by one or the few. The Charter of the United Nations is the basic and universally recognized norms governing state-to-state relations. Without international law and international rules that are formed and recognized by the global community, the world may fall back to the law of the jungle, and the consequence would be devastating for humanity. We need to be resolute in championing the international rule of law, and steadfast in our resolve to safeguard the international system centered around the UN and the international order based on international law. Multilateral institutions, which provide the platforms for putting multilateralism into action and which are the basic architecture underpinning multilateralism, should have their authority and effectiveness safeguarded. State-to-state relations should be coordinated and regulated through proper institutions and rules. The strong should not bully the weak. Decision should not be made by simply showing off strong muscles or waving a big fist. Multilateralism should not be used as pretext for acts of unilateralism. Principles should be preserved and rules, once made, should be followed by all. "Selective multilateralism" should not be our option. … Third, we should stay committed to consultation and cooperation instead of conflict and confrontation. Differences in history, culture and social system should not be an excuse for antagonism or confrontation, but rather an incentive for cooperation. We should respect and accommodate differences, avoid meddling in other countries' internal affairs, and resolve disagreements through consultation and dialogue. History and reality have made it clear, time and again, that the misguided approach of antagonism and confrontation, be it in the form of cold war, hot war, trade war or tech war, would eventually hurt all countries' interests and undermine everyone's well-being. … China will continue to advance science, technology and innovation. Science, technology and innovation is a key engine for human progress, a powerful weapon in tackling many global challenges, and the only way for China to foster a new development paradigm and achieve high-quality development. China will invest more in science and technology, develop an enabling system for innovation as a priority, turn breakthroughs in science and technology into actual productivity at a faster pace, and enhance intellectual property protection, all for the purpose of fostering innovation-driven, higher-quality growth. Scientific and technological advances should benefit all humanity rather than be used to curb and contain other countries' development. China will think and act with more openness with regard to international exchange and cooperation on science and technology. We will work with other countries to create an open, fair, equitable and non-discriminatory environment for scientific and technological advancement that is beneficial to all and shared by all.“ In: https://www.fmprc.gov.cn/mfa_eng/wjdt_665385/zyjh_665391/t1848323.shtml
  6. [6] Special Address by President von der Leyen at the Davos Agenda Week, 26. Januar 2021: „A year ago at Davos, we talked also intensively about digitalisation. The pandemic has massively accelerated the process. The European Union will dedicate 20% of NextGenerationEU to digital projects. To nurture innovative ecosystems, for example where universities, companies, innovators can access data and cooperate. To boost the vibrant start-up scene we have in cities like Sofia and Lisbon and to become a global hub for Artificial Intelligence. So that the 2020s can finally be Europe's Digital Decade. But for this to be a success, we must also address the darker sides of the digital world. Like for so many of us, the storming of the Capitol came as a shock to me. We are always quick to say: Democracy and values, they are part of our DNA. And that is true. But we must nurture our democracy every day, and defend our institutions against the corrosive power of hate speech, of disinformation, fake news and incitement to violence. In a world where polarising opinions are the loudest, it is a short step from crude conspiracy theories to the death of a police officer. Unfortunately, the storming of the Capitol Hill showed us how just true that is. The business model of online platforms has an impact – and not only on free and fair competition, but also on our democracies, our security and on the quality of our information. That is why we need to contain this immense power of the big digital companies. Because we want the values we cherish in the offline world also to be respected online. At its most basic, this means that what is illegal offline should be illegal online too. And we want the platforms to be transparent about how their algorithms work. Because we cannot accept that decisions, that have a far-reaching impact on our democracy, are taken by computer programmes alone.“ In: https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/speech_21_221