As the global environment has changed dramatically today with geopolitical fissures, technological advances and a shared economy, the World Economic Forum's annual meeting will kick off on Jan. 23 in Davos, Switzerland, with more than 3,000 of the world's influential and wealthy individuals coming from 100 countries.

This year's meeting in the snow-capped Alpine town will focus on the theme of "Creating a Shared Future in a Fractured World," which will see discussions on possible solutions to the rifts that have emerged politically, economically and societally.

"Creating a shared future in a fractured world requires addressing issues on the global agenda in a holistic, interconnected and future-oriented way," said Klaus Schwab, founder and executive chairman of the WEF. "Our annual meeting in Davos provides an exceptional platform for collaboration to create new global initiatives."