Business and political leaders from around the world have opened their annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland, with the growing power of China and India high on the agenda.
Organizers of the World Economic Forum say more than 2,300 participants from 89 countries will attend the five-day event.
One of the top themes will be the emergence of China and India as economic heavyweights. Attendees will also discuss high energy prices, Iran's nuclear program, and terrorism.
Among the political leaders attending will be Chinese Vice Premier Zeng Peiyan, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf and U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan.
Several entertainment figures will address the forum including actress Angelina Jolie, who is a goodwill ambassador for the U.N, and anti-poverty campaigner Bono of the rock group U-2.
Some information for this report was provided by AFP and AP.
