World Economic Forum head Borge Brende quits after Epstein links revealed
Al Jazeera
February 26, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Borge Brende, the former president and CEO of the World Economic Forum (WEF), has resigned following revelations of his ties to Jeffrey Epstein, the late convicted sex offender. The decision came after an independent investigation by WEF found that Brende had attended dinners with Epstein and exchanged emails and messages with him. Despite claiming he was unaware of Epstein’s criminal history at the time, Brende acknowledged regret for not thoroughly investigating their interactions. His departure follows a wave of resignations and legal scrutiny involving other prominent figures linked to Epstein.
Brende, a former Norwegian foreign minister who led WEF from 2017, stated in his resignation that he decided to step down to allow the organization to focus on its work without distractions. The investigation concluded that there were no additional concerns beyond what had already been disclosed. WEF co-chairs announced that Alois Zwinggi would serve as interim president until a permanent replacement is found. This leadership transition underscores the broader implications of Epstein’s influence, which has led to resignations and criminal investigations across various industries and governments.
The fallout from Epstein’s connections extends beyond the U.S., with Norwegian officials facing scrutiny as well. Former Prime Minister Thorbjorn Jagland and diplomat Terje Rod-Larsen have been charged in connection with their ties to Epstein. This suggests a global unraveling of relationships that Epstein cultivated over years, involving powerful figures across finance, politics, and royalty. The revelations highlight the ethical risks of unchecked networking among elite circles.
Brende’s resignation is part of a larger pattern of accountability as details from Epstein’s extensive contacts continue to emerge. The WEF, known for its influential Davos summit, now faces questions about how such ties were allowed to develop under Brende’s leadership. This incident raises concerns about transparency and ethical oversight in international organizations.
Overall, the situation underscores the far-reaching impact of Epstein’s criminal activities and his ability to manipulate relationships with influential figures. As investigations continue, the implications for global politics, business, and governance remain significant. Readers interested in world affairs will likely follow developments closely, as this scandal continues to unfold across international headlines.
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Originally published on Al Jazeera on 2/26/2026