OPINION:
With less than a week until the World Economic Forum’s annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland, the global organization is reemerging in the national spotlight, with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis even mentioning it in his inaugural address. As champions of free speech and the free marketplace of ideas, Republicans should not shy away from engaging in one of the most prominent exchanges of ideas on the global stage.
Since its inception, the forum was typically harangued by those on the left, who once claimed the mantle of representing the working class and therefore viewed the “elitism” of the event with distaste. There is also the matter of major business interests taking center stage, with leaders from Fortune 50 companies frequently making an appearance.
But as of late, the criticism of the forum is overwhelmingly from those of us on the right who have a lot of ire for the conference.
Despite then-President Donald Trump speaking at the event only three years ago, the chorus of opposition has accelerated. Misinformation has taken off, most recently in the form of viral tweets inaccurately claiming that the forum endorsed Rep. Kevin McCarthy as speaker of the House (the “evidence” was simply a page on the forum’s website that provided Mr. McCarthy’s bio). Conspiracy theories have replaced sober thinking, with some believing that the forum controls politicians, including presidents and prime ministers, or that the global elite is trying to institute a communist-based new world order.
The reality is far less intriguing.
The World Economic Forum conference at Davos is much like any other work conference. People come together to discuss and debate important topics. Speakers with specialized education and life experiences provide their perspectives on the issues plaguing countries across the globe. It just happens that, in this instance, that group of people is 2,500 of the most influential leaders from business, government, academia and media.
In truth, the conference presents an opportunity for tough conversations that rarely take place these days, which is why so many U.S. officials have attended over the past 30 years.
By repudiating this gathering — not because of elitism but based on misinformation — Republicans fully cede the discourse to those with whom they disagree.
Half the battle is showing up.
When a conversation about the climate comes up, do we want the only voices speaking on the topic to be those with which we disagree? Hopefully not. It would be better for an economist to take that opportunity to espouse the benefits of pro-business climate change solutions such as carbon capture. The same can be said for virtually every topic that is covered at the conference.
On a stage in Davos, Mr. Trump had the opportunity to champion some of the beliefs that won him the presidency in the first place to leaders from around the world: “We continue to embrace technology, not to shun it. When people are free to innovate, millions will live longer, happier and healthier lives. For three years now, America has shown the world that the path to a prosperous future begins with putting workers first, choosing growth and freeing entrepreneurs to bring their dreams to life.”
For Republicans and conservatives to clinch success, it is not enough to throw stones or, worse yet, spread misinformation about an organization you don’t like. They need to present positive solutions to the issues Americans face every day. And presenting those ideas at Davos allows these policy prescriptions to reach an important and influential audience.
• Ken Blackwell is the former U.S. ambassador to the U.N. Human Rights Commission and former Ohio treasurer. He serves as a visiting professor at the Liberty University School of Law and senior adviser to the Family Research Council.
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