Jolie demands attention for human rights

Hollywood actor Angelina Jolie yesterday introduced a welcome touch of glamour to Davos but sternly told her audience of star-struck businessmen that they should concentrate on important issues.

"I just think, if I can ask anything, it's for everybody in this room, including myself, to stay focused on the issues. To follow up on Darfur, to watch what is happening in the courts, to follow up on Nepal . . . on Afghanistan," she said.

Ms Jolie, a UN goodwill ambassador for refugees, arrived in the Swiss mountain resort with her partner Brad Pitt, whose child she is carrying. The couple are among the biggest stars at this year's meeting of the World Economic Forum, which has been more resolutely serious and business-focused than in recent years.

Last year, actress Sharon Stone stole the show by standing up during a session on poverty and demanding pledges of cash from the business leaders present. She raised about $250,000 but some of the business stalwarts at Davos resented being upstaged, with one US executive declaring: "I thought we were the celebrities here."

Sporting celebrities in Davos include boxer Mohammed Ali, footballer Pele and tennis player Monica Seles.

Bill Clinton will bring political star quality to the meeting today when he takes part in a public conversation about world affairs.

Two possible contenders for the US presidency in 2008, Republican senator John McCain and former Democratic governor of Virginia Mark Warner shared a platform yesterday to discuss the war on terror and US leadership.

Senator McCain singled out Ireland as a model for the US to follow in improving its educational system as part of an effort to become more competitive.

Within the business community veteran Davos attendees like Microsoft chairman Bill Gates - who pledged $900 million (€743 million) to tackle tuberculosis - vied with a new wave of entrepreneurs led by Google chief executive Eric Schmidt and Skype co-founder and chief executive Niklas Zennstroem .

Participants yesterday were vying for invitations to the more exclusive Davos parties, with the Google party in an art museum the hottest ticket this year. The meeting ends this evening with a black tie gala soirée which is likely to be well attended - despite the fact that everybody is invited.