Opening Plenary of the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2010

Switzerland has been criticized lately: On the one hand, Switzerland's direct democracy is a showpiece; on the other hand, it unleashes worldwide consternation. International pressures on bank secrecy lead to concessions in the exchange of fiscal information. The accusation of cherry-picking comes up regularly.

1. Does Switzerland have to fear for its reputation and economy?
2. Did Switzerland react accordingly to the international pressure on tax issues?
3. What consequences will this have on Swiss diplomacy and its role as a mediator in international conflicts?

Speakers: Pascale Bruderer, President of the National Council of Switzerland, Young Global Leader, Switzerland

Ulrich Thielemann, Vice Director of the Institute for Business Ethics, University of St. Gallen, Switzerland

Peter Maurer, Permanent Representative of Switzerland to the United Nations in New York

Haig Simonian, Correspondent, Financial Times, Switzerland

Niall Ferguson, Professor of History, Harvard University, USA

Academic Representative, Europe

Moderation: Stephan Klapproth, Swiss Television