DAVOS, Switzerland - Dawn at Davos is breathtaking. As the first rays hit the snow-capped peaks of the Swiss Alps surrounding this quiet town, sunlight shimmers in the crisp mountain air, painting a picture of cheer.

Walking along Davos’ main promenade at 8am, the mood is unmistakably upbeat. National governments and major corporations have requisitioned nearly every hotel, office and shophouse, creating a bustling corridor of global power players.