Klaus Schwab

Klaus Schwab

Economist
Date of Birth: 30.03.1938
Country: Switzerland

Content:
  1. Early Life and Education
  2. Academic and Corporate Roles
  3. World Economic Forum
  4. UN Involvement
  5. Awards and Honors
  6. Publications and Advocacy
  7. Foundation and Legacy

Early Life and Education

Klaus Schwab, a Swiss economist, was born on March 30, 1938, in Ravensburg, Germany. He graduated with an engineering degree from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in 1962. In 1963, he earned diplomas in economics and social sciences from the University of Fribourg in Switzerland. After completing a PhD in engineering and economics at the University of Fribourg, Schwab pursued a Master's in Public Administration from Harvard University.

Klaus Schwab

Academic and Corporate Roles

Schwab began his academic career in 1969 as a professor of general management at the International Management Institute in Geneva. In 1972, he joined the University of Geneva's faculty of business administration. He has also held appointments at Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Klaus Schwab

Alongside his academic pursuits, Schwab maintains corporate affiliations. He serves on the editorial board of "World Link," the official publication of the World Economic Forum, and is a director at Swiss company SMH, Zurich-based private bank Vontobel, and several internet companies allied with the World Economic Forum.

World Economic Forum

In 1971, Schwab founded the World Economic Forum (WEF), an international organization that brings together business leaders, political figures, and academics to discuss global issues. Schwab serves as the WEF's President and is responsible for its operations.

UN Involvement

Schwab has held prominent roles within the United Nations. He advised the UN Secretary-General at the UN Conference on Environment and Development and participated in the "Eminent Persons' Meeting on Financing Global Environment and Development." He also chaired the UN Advisory Council on Sustainable Development and served as Vice-Chairman of the UN Commission for Development and Planning.

Awards and Honors

Schwab has received numerous awards and honorary titles, including the Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany, the Légion d'honneur (France), and Honorary Doctorates from Bishop's University in Quebec (Canada) and the Free University of Guadalajara (Mexico).

Publications and Advocacy

Schwab is the author of five major works and numerous publications on economics, business strategy, and tactics. His most recent book, "The Psychology of Terrorism: Psychological Dimensions to War and Peace" (2002), examines the psychological underpinnings of terrorism and war.

Schwab also leads the Editorial Advisory Board that annually produces the "Global Competitiveness Report" under the auspices of the World Economic Forum. This report assesses the competitiveness of economies worldwide.

Foundation and Legacy

In 1998, Schwab and his wife, Hilde Schwab, established the Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship. The foundation awards prizes for innovative solutions to social problems. Schwab's work has had a profound influence on global economic discourse and the promotion of sustainable development.

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