Crown Princess Mary at the World Economic Forum in Davos: January 20-24, 2013

[marfre]

Originally Posted by Al_bina

I have got a very low opinion of forums like the Davos Forum. It is an upmarket hobnob where the elites try to pretend to be just like usual people and usual people delude themselves into thinking their opinions matter.
My observation about Crown Princess Mary fitting in is connected to episcogal's comment about the gravitas. No one ever questioned the gravitas of Crown Princely couple of Belgium or Norway. That is all.

In a later post episcogal made it appears that he/she is really not aware of what work Mary does, not a ringing endorsement for such a comment.
It looks like we are playing follow the leader here and not making our own decisions it happens a lot.

Iam not sure why Mette Marit and the Belgium couple (Haakon gets a pass) are there however Iam sure they are doing the job requested of them the same as Mary will.

Thanks for all the photos and links I think it great that some have suggested that The Mary Foundation go international obviously the work Mary is doing is well respected.

[Naggi]

Originally Posted by NGalitzine

Hmmm, a discussion of the work of the Mary Foundation and suggestions from other attendees that the foundations work should be expanded on an international scale. Boring? Its a conference to discuss ideas. You were expecting perhaps lap dancing?

Hmmm, lap dancing. Well, that would have been definitely something exciting in Davos for sure! She had to travel to Davos to get suggestions to expand on an international scale?

[NGalitzine]

Originally Posted by Naggi

Hmmm, lap dancing. Well, that would have been definitely something exciting in Davos for sure! She had to travel to Davos to get suggestions to expand on an international scale?

Well to put it in a business context, it is not unusual for large businesses to bring managers from across the country together for conferences. Different managers discuss what they are doing in their own local departments, discussions happen, people discuss best practices and how to adapt them to their own departments.
The Davos conference really isnt much different except people come from around the world, represent different backgrounds & areas of interest/expertise, share ideas, comment on what each other is doing, offer suggestions etc. It really doesn't seem so hard to understand although apparently for some the concept of idea discussion is unheard of.

[Tarlita]

A great many countries put aside money for developing countries and aid to countries in need. Now this forum has politicians and business leaders and royals attending all exchanging and putting forward ideas on how best these monies should be used to help those in real need. Hob nobbing it may be, but some good should come out of this. What is wrong with that!!

[NGalitzine]

I agree Tarlita, I have never understood why a gathering of people who have power and influence getting together to discuss how things might change or be improved is a bad thing........although I know there are conspiracy theorists who can come up with a bucketfull of reasons, and then of course there are those who believe it is best to just sit back and not do anything about anything.

[Sun Lion]

Originally Posted by Muhler

I'll will not go into any discussion about who says what about what royals.
I will however ask why Mary is singled out and viewed in a negative light, when mingling with such upmarket hobnobs, as you put it, while you seem to have no problems with other royals doing the exact same thing.

I believe it was you, who in a previous post said something along the lines that it was better to leave things alone than to attend a summit like the one at Davos.
Well, you and I have a very different opinion on that.
I say it's better to do something, no matter how little or insignificant it is, than doing nothing.

In the article in Berlingske Tidende Mary talked about how she has her head full of ideas. She may not change the world, but if some of these ideas are realised it may make a difference for a few people. And that may not be so bad for someone who seems to lack gravitas.

I don't believe Mary will ever win the Nobel Peace Prize, have a statue of her erected in front of the UN building in New York or be applauded by the General Assembly, but at least she is trying to make this world just a little bit better. And that's not the worst thing people can do with their lives.

Hi Muhler - enjoyed your robust defence of CP Mary's presence at Davos.

As the future Queen Consort of one of the world's most stable and free countries, and raising it's future King, it is appropriate for her to be there.

Most of the attendees will still be in powerful positions for years to come.

CP Mary's presence at these International meetings will have long term benefits as she moves through life, making contacts, learning what works, growing towards her goals. No-one just "arrives" complete at anything in life.

Cheers Everyone, Sun Lion.

P.S. - saw earlier today a mention that Royals sit in the front row as a courtesy - answer to my previous question.

[GracieGiraffe]

My gawd, are we still arguing about whether Mary has enough gravitas to set foot out side of the Palace and be seen in the light of day?

[Sun Lion]

Originally Posted by GracieGiraffe

My gawd, are we still arguing about whether Mary has enough gravitas to set foot out side of the Palace and be seen in the light of day?

Not arguing GracieGiraffe - just engaged in a vigorous discussion.

Cheers, Sun Lion.

[Naggi]

Originally Posted by NGalitzine

Well to put it in a business context, it is not unusual for large businesses to bring managers from across the country together for conferences. Different managers discuss what they are doing in their own local departments, discussions happen, people discuss best practices and how to adapt them to their own departments.
The Davos conference really isnt much different except people come from around the world, represent different backgrounds & areas of interest/expertise, share ideas, comment on what each other is doing, offer suggestions etc. It really doesn't seem so hard to understand although apparently for some the concept of idea discussion is unheard of.

Thank you for enlighten me on what large businesses do. In fact being professionally involved in such international conferences myself it seems it did not help me to understand the concept of discussion that is being practiced in such conferences as I have learned now :-)

Actually as I am familiar with quite a few concepts of discussion therefore, I am calling Davos a "blablabla" event so to speak. WEF is a platform for representatives of the elite from the political and economic sectors . Offering an exchange of experience for an international circle is not the main driver. The main driver is offering a platform for doing business .It is about on how to use the forum to show-off with the own vanities and successes, to think about on how to expand and make more money, while attending the exquisite seminars, workshops, dinners, parties and other get-togethers and to enjoy some shopping and skiing in-between – secluded from the rest of the world, above all from demonstrators and opponents, and protected by security like Ford Knox once was. And since this elitist group of people is not “glamor-star” material, the WEF since years is trying to give the conference a more glamorous look by trying to attract royals and show biz representatives. And almost unaware media and public attention shifts from workshops that end with no significant result except for some good-will communiqués to wardrobes and party guests.



I am pretty sure that there are many internationally skilled advisors in Denmark who could have easily taught Princess Mary on how to optimize her work with the foundation and exchange experience with her. Neither she nor do other royals need the vanities of Davos in order to learn on how to do or expand her work. But of course when tap dancing was the main driver, than Davos was definitely the right place to be J

Interesting article on the WEF: Five myths about Davos

[GracieGiraffe]

Originally Posted by Naggi

Thank you for enlighten me on what large businesses do. In fact being professionally involved in such international conferences myself it seems it did not help me to understand the concept of discussion that is being practiced in such conferences as I have learned now :-)

Actually as I am familiar with quite a few concepts of discussion therefore, I am calling Davos a "blablabla" event so to speak. WEF is a platform for representatives of the elite from the political and economic sectors . Offering an exchange of experience for an international circle is not the main driver. The main driver is offering a platform for doing business .It is about on how to use the forum to show-off with the own vanities and successes, to think about on how to expand and make more money, while attending the exquisite seminars, workshops, dinners, parties and other get-togethers and to enjoy some shopping and skiing in-between – secluded from the rest of the world, above all from demonstrators and opponents, and protected by security like Ford Knox once was. And since this elitist group of people is not “glamor-star” material, the WEF since years is trying to give the conference a more glamorous look by trying to attract royals and show biz representatives. And almost unaware media and public attention shifts from workshops that end with no significant result except for some good-will communiqués to wardrobes and party guests.



I am pretty sure that there are many internationally skilled advisors in Denmark who could have easily taught Princess Mary on how to optimize her work with the foundation and exchange experience with her. Neither she nor do other royals need the vanities of Davos in order to learn on how to do or expand her work. But of course when tap dancing was the main driver, than Davos was definitely the right place to be J

Interesting article on the WEF: Five myths about Davos

Ah, now I get it. It's one of those fabulously expensive conferences where they serve the most fabulous food but nobody eats it, because eating is for the proletariat. And it's all about what table you were put at, and what you were wearing.

[grevinnan]

Originally Posted by Naggi

Thank you for enlighten me on what large businesses do. In fact being professionally involved in such international conferences myself it seems it did not help me to understand the concept of discussion that is being practiced in such conferences as I have learned now :-)

Actually as I am familiar with quite a few concepts of discussion therefore, I am calling Davos a "blablabla" event so to speak. WEF is a platform for representatives of the elite from the political and economic sectors . Offering an exchange of experience for an international circle is not the main driver. The main driver is offering a platform for doing business .It is about on how to use the forum to show-off with the own vanities and successes, to think about on how to expand and make more money, while attending the exquisite seminars, workshops, dinners, parties and other get-togethers and to enjoy some shopping and skiing in-between – secluded from the rest of the world, above all from demonstrators and opponents, and protected by security like Ford Knox once was. And since this elitist group of people is not “glamor-star” material, the WEF since years is trying to give the conference a more glamorous look by trying to attract royals and show biz representatives. And almost unaware media and public attention shifts from workshops that end with no significant result except for some good-will communiqués to wardrobes and party guests.



I am pretty sure that there are many internationally skilled advisors in Denmark who could have easily taught Princess Mary on how to optimize her work with the foundation and exchange experience with her. Neither she nor do other royals need the vanities of Davos in order to learn on how to do or expand her work. But of course when tap dancing was the main driver, than Davos was definitely the right place to be J

Interesting article on the WEF: Five myths about Davos

The heavy hitters that are attending the WEF couldn't care less about royals. It is probably more a matter of royals wanting to be seen at this event than the other way around. Considering it costs $50,000+ to attend this event (everyone pays to attend, it costs to get invited too) who is paying for the various royals?

[polyesco]

Im just wondering why this conversation is going on only in the thread for Mary? When other royals have gone as well and have been part of this event longer.
CP Haakon and Mette-Marit, the Belgium royal CP couple, Rania and the king of Jordan...

Mary is just the consort of a royal heir, shouldn't we be more concern that the future king of Norway and the future king of Belgium regularly attend?

Why is it such an issue only for Mary?

I think this event can only help her and her work on the Mary Foundation. get new ideas and so forth...

[Nordic]

Originally Posted by polyesco

Im just wondering why this conversation is going on only in the thread for Mary? When other royals have gone as well and have been part of this event longer.

Why is it such an issue only for Mary?

I have been wondering about the same thing...

[ricarda]

Originally Posted by grevinnan

Considering it costs $50,000+ to attend this event (everyone pays to attend, it costs to get invited too) who is paying for the various royals?

AFAIK "Young Global Leaders" (which most of the attending royals are) don't have to pay to attend the WEF or to be invited. As for the rest, e.g. Prince Philippe of Belgium, obviously someone was willing to pay so he could attend (he is much involved in business promotion), I am pretty sure he didn't force anyone with a loaded gun.

polyesco
Im just wondering why this conversation is going on only in the thread for Mary? When other royals have gone as well and have been part of this event longer.

You are right. The WEF is a pretty controversial subject and everyone has the right to have his/her own opinion about it.
But I would value the critical opinions of some posters much higher if they were made in the threads of their favourite royals. To keep quiet there (for years) but speak out here seems quite hypocritical to me and makes me wonder what the (real) motives are. It just doesn't give them much credibility.

[Naggi]

Originally Posted by grevinnan

The heavy hitters that are attending the WEF couldn't care less about royals. It is probably more a matter of royals wanting to be seen at this event than the other way around. Considering it costs $50,000+ to attend this event (everyone pays to attend, it costs to get invited too) who is paying for the various royals?

Sorry grevinnan, of course you are also correct. I missed mentioning it that the other way around it is a place for royals to be seen as well.

[Muhler]

Originally Posted by Naggi

......

Actually as I am familiar with quite a few concepts of discussion therefore, I am calling Davos a "blablabla" event so to speak. WEF is a platform for representatives of the elite from the political and economic sectors . Offering an exchange of experience for an international circle is not the main driver. The main driver is offering a platform for doing business .It is about on how to use the forum to show-off with the own vanities and successes, to think about on how to expand and make more money, while attending the exquisite seminars, workshops, dinners, parties and other get-togethers and to enjoy some shopping and skiing in-between – secluded from the rest of the world, above all from demonstrators and opponents, and protected by security like Ford Knox once was. And since this elitist group of people is not “glamor-star” material, the WEF since years is trying to give the conference a more glamorous look by trying to attract royals and show biz representatives. And almost unaware media and public attention shifts from workshops that end with no significant result except for some good-will communiqués to wardrobes and party guests.

.................

Interesting article on the WEF: Five myths about Davos

So what you are basically saying, Naggi, is that at worst Mary (and the other royals) are wasting their time?

At best they are.....?

[Naggi]

Originally Posted by Muhler

So what you are basically saying, Naggi, is that at worst Mary (and the other royals) are wasting their time?

At best they are.....?

Yes :-) Staying in the own circle of people and listening to how they praise their own work and compliment my own, is from my perspective nice to listen but nothing to gain from.

[Muhler]

Originally Posted by Naggi

Yes :-) Staying in the own circle of people and listening to how they praise their own work and compliment my own, is from my perspective nice to listen but nothing to gain from.

Fair enough, Naggi. I respect your view.

That doesn't mean I agree with you, especially as there are more aspects to this than just meeting and discussing ideas and initiatives (or alternatively praising themselves, as you suggest). It's also very much about networking, establishing and confirming contacts, which may come in very handy in the future in other aspects of (in this case) Mary's work.
Even if I agreed with you view I'd still say there are considerable benefits to be gained from this summit.

[GracieGiraffe]

Skimming through the last few comments is the question of why this was brought up regarding Mary (re: attending an alleged "fluff" conference) when it could be said about so many other royals. I suspect that ALL the royals go to a lot of these things, spend a lot of taxpayer money, and get nothing out of it other than a few PR photos and goodwill from the people who paid to send them.

Yes, I agree completely that other royals attend the same conferences and they're much the same "see and be seen" gathering of the Masters of the Universe. But it's not MARY - it's how these things work.

That doesn't mean an individual attendee takes nothing from it, it's up to the individual to do so. There must be a little something to be gained, even if it's just letting others know they are important too and would be good to network with. I've attended gatherings like this in my profession as well. It IS to an extent which table you were placed at and what you were wearing, how you make small talk (everyone sizing everyone else up) but then others know you are part of the "group" and they network with you. All nonsense, but it's how it works in the business world. Most of it is political and who you know rather than what you can actually DO.

[LadyFinn]

Mary talking with Sauli Niinistö, the president of Finland. The photo is from the president's website.
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