Børge Brende, the president and chief executive of the World Economic Forum (WEF), has announced his resignation following increased pressure relating to his past associations with the late Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender. In a statement, Brende emphasized that his decision was made after careful consideration and expressed gratitude for the collaboration he experienced with his colleagues and partners during his tenure. He underscored the importance of allowing the WEF to continue its work without distractions brought about by the current controversy.

The scrutiny surrounding Brende's resignation is tied to recent revelations concerning Epstein and various high-profile individuals affiliated with him. As a former Norwegian foreign minister, Brende is among several prominent Norwegians who have come under scrutiny due to new documents released in connection with Epstein's case. The timing of his resignation coincides with the WEF's announcement of an internal review, indicating that the organization is addressing the implications of these revelations seriously.

Brende's resignation marks a significant moment for the WEF, which is well-known for its annual summit held in Davos, Switzerland, drawing global leaders across various sectors including politics, business, and civil society. The developments raise questions about accountability among influential figures and organizations, and could potentially impact future leadership and governance at the WEF as it aims to maintain its credibility amid ongoing investigations and public scrutiny.