The World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting opened in Davos yesterday evening under the theme, Resilient Dynamism.

Klaus Schwab, founder and executive chairperson of the WEF, explained in his welcoming address what he was expecting an outcome from this year's meeting.

"Going back being more dynamic, more optimistic, more resilient, having passion and understanding better what's going on -- that's my wish for you," he told delegates.

The 2013 Davos forum will bring together some 2 500 participants from more than 100 countries and 1 400 organisations. Among them, there are more than 1 600 business leaders and more than 45 heads of state or government, including South African President Jacob Zuma.

Zuma will use the forum as a platform to call for the world's top economies and business to invest in South Africa's and Africa's infrastructural projects for the long term economic growth of the continent.

According to the Presidency, he will invite international business to invest in government's multi-billion rand infrastructure programme, which will change the country's social and economic landscape on completion.

The African continent is currently a leading investment destination for good returns and sustainable socio-economic growth.

"As the leading economy in Africa, South Africa remains the strategic platform to accessing one of the world's fastest growing regions. South Africa supports growth in Africa through regional integration and direct investment," the Presidency noted.

In more than 250 sessions and workshops during the six-day meeting, participants will get to discuss questions including how the global economy can get back to robust growth, and how business models can adapt to generational and structural changes.

Schwab said "Resilient Dynamism" was the combined attribute that will be expected from leaders in 2013.