Prof Schwab founded the World Economic Forum in 1971 as independent, impartial, not-for-profit Foundation committed to improving the state of the world. Prof Schwab built the World Economic Forum into the foremost global multistakeholder community, integrating political, business, academic and civil society leaders. In 1998 he created the Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship, in 2011 the Global Shapers Community, and 2004 the Forum of Young Global Leaders.
Prof Schwab holds 15 honorary doctorates, and national medals of honor, and was also knighted by Queen Elizabeth II – Knight Commander of the Order of Saint Michael and Saint George (KCMG). His latest book is The Fourth Industrial Revolution (2016), a worldwide bestseller translated in over 20 languages.
Prof. Klaus Schwab received the Lifetime Achievement Award through the Swiss Economic Forum for the founding of the WEF and his work in the organization. The WEF was founded with idea of serving society as well as shareholders by offering a global platform for world problems to be addressed. Prof. Schwab talks viewing Europe not as a commercial union, but as a cultural identity, seeing Europe lose global influence without unity, and the necessity WEF becoming a global organization reflecting the Swiss principle of neutrality. In response to criticism of the WEFs increasing size, Prof. Schwab maintains that the conference in Davos is merely the tip of the iceberg, and the more governments and NGOs that can be involved, the better. With all the changes that occur with growth, Prof. Schwab has stayed true to his ideals and principles. Even while the WEF definitely has offshoots in plenty of different countries, Switzerland remains vital to the organization as a neutral platform.