@edfe66a5: The World Economic Forum was founded in 1971 by Klaus Schwab, a German economist. It is an international organization that brings together political, business, and other leaders of society to shape global, regional, and industry agendas. The organization is not elected, but rather is made up of members who are invited to join based on their leadership roles and expertise. The organization's mission is to improve the state of the world by engaging business, political, academic, and other leaders of society to shape global, regional, and industry agendas.