Klaus Schwab, the founder and long-time chairman of the World Economic Forum (WEF), announced his resignation from the organisation's Board of Trustees on April 21, 2025, stepping down with immediate effect at the age of 87. After over five decades of shaping the WEF into a global platform for public-private dialogue, his departure marks the end of an era for the Geneva-based institution. Schwab's tenure was defined by his advocacy for concepts like "stakeholder capitalism" and, most controversially, the "Great Reset," which critics argue promoted a vision of centralised control and the erosion of national sovereignty. For those of us who viewed Schwab's influence as a threat to individual nations and freedoms, his exit has been met with sentiments of "good riddance." However, the significance of his resignation and its implications for the WEF's future—and the broader globalist agenda—require closer examination.
Schwab founded the WEF in 1971 as the European Management Forum, later rebranding it to focus on global economic and policy issues. The annual Davos summit became a hallmark of his vision, bringing together political leaders, corporate executives, and activists to discuss global challenges. Over time, Schwab's ideas evolved, culminating in the 2020 launch of the Great Reset, an initiative that gained attention for its call to transform economies and societies in the wake of the Covid-19 plandemic. Schwab argued for a restructuring of global systems to prioritise sustainability, equity, and digital integration, often framed as a response to crises like climate change and economic inequality.
Critics, however, saw the Great Reset as a blueprint for dismantling national sovereignty. The initiative's rhetoric—emphasising global cooperation, digital currencies, and supranational governance—raised concerns about centralised power. Schwab's own statements, such as his claim that the WEF had penetrated governments worldwide, fuelled suspicions of an elitist agenda. Posts on X and various commentaries, like those from ZeroHedge and this blog, interpreted the Great Reset as a push for a "dystopian" order, with nations subordinated to unelected global institutions. For these critics, Schwab's advocacy for policies like Net Zero and stakeholder capitalism symbolised a disconnect from the realities of nation-states and their citizens, prioritising corporate and global interests over local autonomy.
Schwab's decision to step down comes amid a backdrop of internal and external pressures. The WEF has faced scrutiny over its workplace culture, with a 2024 Wall Street Journal report alleging discrimination and sexual harassment within the organisation, prompting a board-led investigation. While the WEF denied these claims, the probe may have contributed to leadership changes, including Schwab's earlier transition from executive chairman to board chairman in 2024. His resignation also follows geopolitical shifts, including the re-election of Donald Trump in the United States, whose administration has openly criticised globalist institutions. Trump's executive order banning central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) and the DOGE initiative's cuts to NGO funding were seen by some as direct challenges to WEF-backed policies.
Public sentiment, particularly among populist and conservative circles, has been jubilant. Posts on X celebrated Schwab's exit, with users likening him to a "Bond villain" declaring the end of his "Great Reset" ambitions. Elon Musk's earlier criticism of Schwab, calling him an aspiring "emperor of Earth," reflects the distrust many feel toward the WEF's influence. The MAGA movement, in particular, has framed Schwab's resignation as a victory against globalism, with Newsweek reporting celebrations among its supporters.
While Schwab's departure is significant, its impact on the WEF and its agenda remains uncertain. The board has appointed Peter Brabeck-Letmathe, former Nestlé CEO, as interim chairman, and a search committee is tasked with finding a permanent successor. The WEF's statement emphasised continuity, underscoring its commitment to "inclusive dialogue" and its role as a "facilitator of progress." With a board comprising figures like BlackRock's Larry Fink and former Vice President Al Gore, the organisation's direction may not shift dramatically. Critics argue that Schwab's resignation is cosmetic, as the WEF's infrastructure and influence—built over decades—will persist regardless of its figurehead.
On the other hand, some see Schwab's exit as a crack in the globalist framework. Armstrong Economics suggested it signals the "unravelling" of the elite agenda, pointing to declining support for initiatives like Agenda 2030 and the World Health Organization. The political revolution Schwab himself acknowledged, driven by populist movements and leaders like Trump, may indeed challenge the WEF's relevance. Nations are increasingly prioritising sovereignty, as seen in resistance to global health mandates and protectionist trade policies. Schwab's departure, in this view, could reflect a broader retreat of the Great Reset's ambitions in the face of grassroots pushback.
For those of us who equate the Great Reset with the dismantling of nations, Schwab's resignation is a moment to celebrate. His vision of a world where global institutions override national priorities, clashed with the values of sovereignty and self-determination cherished by many. The WEF's perceived elitism, coupled with Schwab's provocative rhetoric, made him a lightning rod for criticism. His exit, especially under the shadow of internal scandals and external political shifts, feels like a rebuke to the top-down control he championed.
Yet, dismissing Schwab's resignation as "good riddance" risks overlooking the bigger picture. The WEF is not a monolith dependent on one man; it is a network of powerful actors with deep ties to global finance, technology, and governance. The ideas Schwab promoted—digital transformation, climate policies, and global cooperation—have already taken root in institutions beyond the WEF. Moreover, the lack of transparency about his resignation's timing and motives raises questions. Was it truly age-related, or did external pressures, like lawsuits or political changes, force his hand?
Klaus Schwab's resignation from the WEF Board of Trustees closes a chapter for an organisation that has shaped global discourse for over half a century, for the worst. His departure is a symbolic victory, a sign that the Great Reset's vision of a borderless, centrally managed world is faltering. The populist backlash, coupled with internal WEF challenges, suggests a shifting tide. However, the WEF's enduring influence and the continuity signalled by its leadership transition caution against premature celebration. Schwab may be gone, but the toxic ideas he championed—and the institutions carrying them forward—remain. Whether this is a genuine turning point or a reshuffling of the globalist deck depends on how nations and citizens navigate the complex globalist hellscape he leaves behind.