WEF2008.1.7 Opening Panel
February 04, 2008 by Chris | permalink
the opening panel had quite a few luminaries on it. the most interesting for me were the following:
HENRY KISSINGER. Here was the man who i used to see on my black and white television when i was young. i know that he is a bit of a controversial figure. but, then again, who would not be in his position. you could have heard a pin drop in the room when he spoke. his deep gravely voice took command of the stage and room in an eerie way. he spoke to the need for our statesmen to better understand the parameters of a system to move towards goals. it was very insightful and made me think about the instant loss of diplomacy when one world leader stated 'you are either with me, or against me'. that black and white does not leave much room for negotiation.
JIANZHOU WANG - Chairman and CEO of China Mobile - He was a surprise. After noting that they are signing up over 8,000 new subscribers to mobile telephony a day, he started to talk about the environment. It is not often that one sees a Chinese man of his position speak openly with such passion. He talked about Climate Change and the need for action. It was impressive.
TONY BLAIR - talked about the need for a Palestinian State
JAMES DIMON - Chairman and CEO of JPMorgan Chase - He really stretched credibility when he noted that "most corporations are good corporate citizens". Hard to believe much he said after that one.
