World Economic Forum board backs launch of independent probe into founder Klaus Schwab

GENEVA AP The World Economic Forum which runs an annual gathering of elites in Davos Switzerland says its board has given its unanimous patronage for an independent analysis into statements of misconduct by founder Klaus Schwab The declaration from the Geneva-based think tank and event organizer late Tuesday came after a description published by The Wall Street Journal cited a whistleblower letter alleging financial and ethical misconduct by Schwab and his wife Hilde The newspaper communicated that the charges were sent in an anonymous letter to the board last week and included contends that the Schwab family mixed their personal affairs with Forum information In a announcement sent to The Associated Press the Forum explained its board which includes former U S Vice President Al Gore Jordan s Queen Rania and European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde as members agreed to a decision by its vulnerability and audit committee to open the probe While the Forum takes these charges seriously it emphasizes that they remain unproven and will await the outcome of the scrutiny to comment further the announcement mentioned The AP was not straightaway able to reach Schwab or a contact person for him The assertions emerged two days after the WEF revealed Schwab had retired with immediate effect as chairman and that former Nestle Chairman and CEO Peter Brabeck-Letmathe was taking over as interim chairman For decades the Forum s annual gathering in Davos has hosted top business executives cabinet leaders academics international organizations cultural figures sports legends and celebrities to discuss cabinet procedures deal-making and current affairs Source