In a message posted on X, Schwab said the world is at a critical juncture, where the breakdown of shared facts and mutual confidence is paralysing collective action.
“We are missing in our society two fundamental pillars—truth and trust. Without restoring them, we will not be able to solve the big global issues we face today,” he said.
Schwab argued that the decline of truth has fractured a “shared reality,” while the erosion of trust has weakened cooperation between nations, institutions, and citizens.
Linking this crisis to rapid technological change, he stressed that the defining challenge of the “intelligent age” is to remain fundamentally human—guided by empathy, dialogue, and a sense of collective responsibility rather than narrow self-interest.
“We must analyse issues not only with our brains but also with our hearts and remember that ultimately we serve society, not just ourselves,” Schwab added.
The comments come as the WEF prepares to host nearly 3,000 leaders from more than 130 countries in Davos from January 19–23 under the theme “A Spirit of Dialogue.” The summit is taking place against a backdrop of war in Ukraine and the Middle East, slowing global growth, trade tensions, and accelerating artificial intelligence disruption.
This year’s agenda will focus on geopolitical realignments, global governance, economic resilience, and rebuilding trust between states, corporations, and civil society.
Schwab founded the WEF in 1971 and retired from its leadership in 2025 after an internal inquiry cleared him of misconduct allegations that briefly led to his removal and reinstatement last year.
