The World Economic Forum (WEF) Special Annual Meeting will be hosted in Singapore in May 2021, this is huge for the city state's MICE and hospitality business.

The Special Annual Meeting will bring together the world’s top leaders in government, business and academia to address some of the more pressing issues facing the world. It aims to galvanise action to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, and facilitate discussions on technology and trade governance.

For the first time, the Special Annual Meeting will also comprise a virtual component to allow greater participation amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. This is the second time the WEF Special Annual Meeting will be held outside of Switzerland since its establishment in 1971 and the first time it will be held in Asia.

WEF’s decision to hold its Special Annual Meeting in Singapore reflects its confidence in our management of the COVID-19 pandemic thus far. The hosting of WEF’s Special Annual Meeting will have a positive impact on Singapore’s MICE1 sector and adjacent sectors such as hospitality.

As Singapore works towards hosting the event, the health and safety of both our local community and event attendees will be our foremost priority. 

Singapore has successfully prototyped new protocols at large-scale meetings and conferences such as the Singapore International Energy Week 2020 and TravelRevive 2020.

These protocols include safe management measures such as on-arrival tests, pre-event and periodic antigen testing, as well as contact tracing of attendees. All international conferences held in Singapore will similarly adhere to strict public health and safety measures.

Minister for Trade and Industry Mr Chan Chun Sing said: “As the world battles COVID-19, there is an even greater impetus for countries to cooperate, collaborate, and partner each other to address pressing global issues. The WEF Special Annual Meeting is a key platform for such conversations to take place.

WEF’s decision to hold its 2021 Special Annual Meeting in Singapore is an affirmation of Singapore’s ability to provide a safe, neutral and conducive venue for global leaders to meet. Despite the ongoing pandemic, we are confident that Singapore will be able to continue maintaining public health and safety while supporting the WEF’s mission to effect positive change through collaboration and engagement.”