The major theme of 2012 was not merely strong signs of a global economic slowdown, but, more importantly, extensive volatility in the political, economic and societal arenas. Turmoil has been felt throughout the world, impacting different continents, countries, business and people in many ways. Under these circumstances it is essential to try to find out which changes are temporary and where long-term transitions taking place.

Moving toward 2013 crucial questions that have yet to be answered are: Can actions taken by monetary and fiscal authorities dramatically change the global economic reality and generate higher private-sector growth? Will there be structural changes in the Euro and sovereign financial independence? Will China continue to be the growth engine leading the Developing World?

Are we facing a large-scale energy crisis? Will the relatively stable economy in the US continue to provide steady growth? In other words: Should we expect slow, or even marginal, economic growth for the next decade? What can we do to avoid stagnation? We, at the Israel Business Conference, do not know what the end scenario will be, what we do have is leading political, business, and academic leaders asking the right questions presenting the most relevant global and local perspectives.

Introduction: Zion Kenan, CEO, Bank Hapoalim
Dr. José Viñals, Financial Counselor and Director, Monetary and Capital Markets Department, IMF
Dr. Fatih Birol, Chief Economist, International Energy Agency
Dr. Hans-Paul Bürkner, President & CEO, BCG
Moderator: Richard Quest, Journalist & TV Host, CNN.