In late 2015 , the invitation was extended to include a North Korean delegation for the 2016 WEF , " in view of positive signs coming out of the country " , the WEF organizers noted . North Korea has not been attending the WEF since 1998 . The invitation was accepted but after the January 2016 North Korean nuclear test on 6 January , the invitation was revoked , and the country 's delegation was made subject to " existing and possible forthcoming sanctions " . Despite protests by North Korea calling the decision by the WEF managing board a " sudden and irresponsible " move , the WEF committee maintained the exclusion because " under these circumstances there would be no opportunity for international dialogue "
January 2016 North Korean nuclear test
January 2016 North Korean nuclear test
World Economic Forum