The World Economic Forum, the long-established international organization that hosts the annual Davos summit, has announced an independent and comprehensive investigation into the nature of the relationship between its chief executive, Børge Brende, and the late American billionaire Jeffrey Epstein, whose name was linked to sex scandals that rocked the global community.
This official move came in response to a direct recommendation from the Forum's Board of Directors, which instructed its Audit and Risk Committee to investigate the matter after the name "Brendi" appeared in the latest batch of court documents declassified by the U.S. Department of Justice. This step aims to protect the reputation of the international organization, which has long championed the slogan "Improving the State of the World," particularly given the increasing media scrutiny of public figures linked to the Epstein case.
Initial details indicate that the investigation is focused on clarifying the circumstances surrounding Borghi Brende's participation in three business dinners with Jeffrey Epstein during 2018 and 2019, as well as examining electronic communications and text messages between the two. It is worth noting that this was a highly sensitive period, as Epstein had previously been convicted in 2008 on prostitution-related charges before being arrested again in 2019 on sex trafficking charges.
Context of relations and historical background
In defending his position, the veteran Norwegian politician (52 years old), who previously served as his country's foreign and finance minister, explained that he was unaware of Epstein's criminal record at the time of the meetings. Reports revealed that the link in this relationship was Norwegian diplomat Terje Rød-Larsen, who had previously resigned from the International Peace Institute due to his financial ties with Epstein. Brende confirmed that the first meeting took place in New York in 2018 at Rød-Larsen's invitation, and that the meetings were group meetings attended by diplomats and businesspeople, not private gatherings.
The repercussions of the case and its impact on Davos
This investigation is of paramount importance given the World Economic Forum's position as a platform that brings together world leaders and decision-makers. The release of these details comes at a critical juncture, as the Forum seeks to distance itself from any suspicion that could compromise its ethical credibility. Observers believe that Brende's own insistence on conducting the independent review reflects a proactive desire to contain the crisis before it escalates, especially with the annual summit approaching.
The recently released Epstein documents are part of a defamation lawsuit filed by Virginia Giuffre, one of Epstein's victims. The documents include the names of dozens of prominent figures globally, placing many major institutions under increased pressure for public accountability and transparency. The World Economic Forum, through this action, reaffirms its commitment to good governance standards and emphasizes that Brende is fully cooperating with the investigations to bring this matter to a definitive close.
