The World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, took place last week without a single representative of the Polish government present. The Forum, titled "The Power of Collaborative Innovation" this year, was also described unofficially as an energy summit and a chance for world leaders to discuss the issue of the global economy.
Given its interest in energy security and recent signs that the economy is flagging, in comparison with 2007, it was surprising that Poland chose not to send a representative to the Forum. When asked about this at a press conference, Prime Minister Tusk explained that he could not attend this year because of his tight schedule, but promised to go next year.
"If I went to Davos for four days, some people would think I'm not interested in governing and just want to travel," said Tusk.
Not everyone sees the World Economic Forum as just a chance to travel, however. "We have to consider the cost of this lost opportunity," said Małgorzata Krzysztoszek of the Polish Confederation of Private Employers (PKPP) Lewiatan. "Davos is organized to build relations. We have lost that chance. Today's economy is based not only on money or human capital, but also on social capital, which is building relations, networking," she said.
According to Krzysztoszek, such meetings have another important advantage. People can mix in a very friendly, relaxed atmosphere, which is conducive to open talk about real economic or political problems.
"In a normal international situation Poland would be afraid to say that it was worried about Russia. In Davos we could say it in front of the world's authorities," added Krzysztoszek.
Poland went unrepresented at last year's World Economic Forum as well.
