Image: from Mario Nawfal X @MarioNawfal
By Open Chronicle Staff with Agencies
GENEVA — The World Economic Forum (WEF) announced Thursday that its President and CEO, Børge Brende, has resigned from his post. The decision follows an internal review into his association with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, a connection that has cast a shadow over the organization known for its elite Davos summit.
A Departure to Avoid “Distractions”
Brende, who served as Norway’s Foreign Minister before joining the WEF over eight years ago, stated that his departure came after “careful consideration.” While an independent review commissioned by the Forum found no new concerns beyond what Brende had already disclosed, the outgoing president indicated he was stepping aside for the good of the institution.
“I believe now is the right moment for the Forum to continue its important work without distractions,” Brende said in an official statement.
The Scope of the Association
The scrutiny intensified following the release of Department of Justice files regarding Epstein’s network. Brende has admitted to dining with Epstein three times between 2018 and 2019 and maintaining contact via email and text.
While Brende maintained he was “completely unaware” of Epstein’s criminal history at the time, despite Epstein’s 2008 conviction for soliciting prostitution from a minor, he has since expressed public regret for not vetting the financier more thoroughly. It is important to note that Brende has not been accused of any criminal wrongdoing, and being named in the files does not imply illegal activity.
Norwegian Connections Under Scrutiny
Brende is not the only high-profile Norwegian figure to face pressure. The release of the “Epstein Files”, a massive cache of FBI reports, emails, and images, has sent shockwaves through Norway’s political and royal circles.
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Thorbjørn Jagland: The former Prime Minister was recently charged with “gross corruption” related to his ties with Epstein.
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Crown Princess Mette-Marit: Has previously faced public scrutiny for her meetings with the financier.
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Diplomatic Circles: Figures such as Mona Juul and Terje Rød-Larsen have also been linked to the controversy.
Leadership Transition
WEF co-chairs Andre Hoffmann and Larry Fink expressed their gratitude for Brende’s “significant contributions” to the Forum. To ensure stability, Alois Zwinggi, a managing director on the WEF executive body, has been appointed as interim President and CEO.
The Board of Trustees is expected to begin a global search for a permanent successor to lead the organization as it prepares for its next cycle of international summits.