Panama at Davos: Global Leaders Gather to Discuss Economic Future

The second day of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, saw several key addresses by global leaders, including Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino, who emphasized the importance of maintaining control over the Panama Canal and discussed plans for economic cooperation with other countries.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned that climate change and the unbridled expansion of artificial intelligence could be existential threats to humanity, emphasizing that AI should serve humanity, not the other way around. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez criticized tech billionaires, saying they have become politicians as well, seeking to wield both economic and political power.

Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino referred to former US President Donald Trump's suggestion of taking control of the Panama Canal, stressing that the canal was created through treaties in 1903 and will remain under Panamanian control. Mulino also met with Peruvian President Dina Boluarte, who announced plans for $7 billion in investment through Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) in 2025.

Additionally, President Mulino met with Tony Blair, former British Prime Minister and founder of the Tony Blair Institute, to discuss plans for supporting Panama in technology. Mulino invited Blair to visit Panama to explore its opportunities, and Blair expressed interest in supporting the country, considering it a success story. Mulino also met with Ukrainian President Volodimir Zelenski to discuss economic cooperation and security in the region.

The World Economic Forum in Davos continues to bring together global leaders to discuss key issues facing the world, including economic cooperation, climate change, and the impact of technology on society. As the forum comes to a close, it remains to be seen what concrete actions will be taken to address these pressing challenges.