The World Economic Forum, held every year in Davos, Switzerland, brings together hundreds of the planet’s most powerful political leaders, economists, and thinkers to discuss pressing world issues. The Onion looks back at the most important moments in the WEF’s 47-year history.
1971
Group of business leaders decide to name their shadowy organization that controls the global economy the World Economic Forum
1976
CEO of Singer boldly advises everyone to invest in sewing-machine futures
1978
The practice of using a theme for each forum kicks off with “Fiscal Inferno: Harnessing Disco’s Appeal For A More Stable Global Economy”
1981
WEF expands its programming to include workshops on saving money and personal budget planning
1984
India prime minister Rajiv Gandhi gives his famous “Backdoor Dealings & You” keynote
1988
Dad loses job at GM factory
1997
Tony Blair wins the annual Poor People Hunt
2006
Whole summit spent talking about that abortion thing from Freakonomics
2007
WEF founder Klaus Schwab outlines new initiative called Corporate Global Citizenship, telling business leaders they have an obligation to mask their corruption by peppering in some half-assed philanthropy now and then
2038
Entire forum devoted to finding the most profitable rates of endorphin release in working-class neural implants