Last year the eurozone returned to growth for the first time since 2011 but the difference for ordinary citizens may be negligible , and austerity measures are still in place . The 44th annual annual meeting is bringing together more than 2,500 entrepreneurs , thinkers and public figures . Speakers range from Francisco Rodríguez , Christine Ellison , Ban Ki Moon , Bill Gates to Matt Damon and Goldie Hawn . The high - powered talk - fest and a vital part of the conference calendar was founded by Klaus Schwab in 1971 .
The 44th annual annual meeting is bringing together more than 2,500 entrepreneurs , thinkers and public figures . Speakers range from Francisco Rodríguez , Christine Ellison , Ban Ki Moon , Bill Gates to Matt Damon and Goldie Hawn . The high - powered talk - fest and a vital part of the conference calendar was founded by Klaus Schwab in 1971 .