Vernon Ellis

Driving into the mountains last night, we were stopped at a checkpoint. A Swiss police officer peered into our car, nodded, and waved us on, while his colleague cradled a machine gun in his arms.

Ironic that at this, one of the few inclusive gatherings of its kind in the world, such measures are necessary.

This year, there are even more representatives from trade unions and non-governmental organisations at the World Economic Forum's annual meeting.

For the next five days, we will be focussing on the issues that cause so much concern among the protestors.

Unfettered globalisation has created losers as well as winners. But there is a growing desire in all areas of society to bridge that divide.

We need to fix the problem; the time for talking has stopped.

Just 12 months ago, every Davos session had an "e" in front of it.

The world's business leaders, politicians and academics wrestled with the challenges posed by the internet revolution.

Now the "e" is firmly inside business and fundamental to everything we do.

The debate has moved on.