Taoiseach Micheál Martin travels to the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland

The Taoiseach will today travel to Davos, Switzerland for the 2022 Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum. The theme of this year's meeting is 'History at a Turning Point: Government Policies and Business Strategies'.

The war in Ukraine and its consequences, as well as inflation and cost-of-living challenges are expected to be key topics at the meeting, which brings together political and business leaders, as well has senior figures in international organisations and NGOs. The Taoiseach looks forward to engaging with colleagues on these and other issues, including climate action, to convey Ireland's perspective and our distinctive contribution.

On Wednesday, he will participate in a live high-level panel debate on how the EU has responded with speed, scale and unity on the COVID-19 pandemic and Russia's war on Ukraine. Among those joining him on the panel will be President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, ECB President, Christine Lagarde, as well as the Prime Ministers of the Netherlands and Slovakia.

During his visit, he will meet bilaterally with a number of political leaders and with senior executives from multinational companies with significant operations and employment in Ireland.

Ahead of the meeting the Taoiseach said:

"The Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum is an important opportunity to outline Ireland's perspectives on the global and European challenges we now face, including Russia's immoral war on Ukraine and its consequences - including for energy and food security - and the increasing economic pressure of inflation and its impact on the cost of living for people around the world. Throughout my engagements, I will stress the fundamental principles that underpin Ireland's approach, including our commitment to an open, sustainable, fair and rules-based international order, which can support economic recovery and global political accountability."