After yesterday's inauguration, work sessions and debates begin today at the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting 2013 better known in financial parlay as simply "Davos" for its location in the Swiss Alps.

The WEF defines itself as "an independent international organisation committed to improving the state of the world by engaging business, political academic and other leaders of society to shape global, regional and industry agendas".

The meetings this year will focus on the global financial context as the world's top businessmen, politicians and other policymakers participate in the weeklong event as they discuss such issues as the European credit crisis, the US fiscal cliff, the economic slowdown in China, and the survival of the euro.

Among these participants will be found the likes of JP Morgan President Jamie Dimon or current UBS Chairman and previous Bundesbank President Axel Weber. Amidst the personalities appearing in today's events, we'll be seeing economist and former acting general manager of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) John Lipsky, Italian Prime Minister Mario Monti and IMF Managing Director Christine Lagarde.

On Thursday, Monti will return with his European counterparts Ireland's Prime Minister Enda Kenny or Holland's leader Mark Rutte. David Cameron is also expected to arrive tomorrow along with UN Secretary General Ban Kimoon.

Friday's first debate will start off with the German Economy Minister Philipp Rösler and Nobel laureate in economics Joseph Stiglitz will also step onto the stage. At 10:00 London time Lagarde is scheduled to return to the scene. At 18:00 a panel will begin that includes OECD secretary general Ángel Gurría and the Spanish Minister of Economy Luis de Guindos.

Saturday will be the WEF's final day and include appearances by business magnate and billionaire investor George Soros or German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schäuble among others.

MG

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