The closing of Davos was a bit more optimistic than the opening. But the undercurrent of economic concerns lingered - and will probably be with us for the near term. However other issues continue to be discussed. I sat next to Nicholas Negroponte at dinner - and he continues to champion bridging the digital divide. Kamal Nath, India's Minister of Commerce, expressed similar concerns. He has an interesting new book out - India's Century - The Age of Entrepreneurship in the World's Biggest Democracy. "India's core strength as a rising industrial power resides in the approximately 2.6 million to 2.9 million university students who graduate each year. "

Many of the best meetings take place outside the forum meetings - the closing gala is a chance for everyone to connect one more time.... and grab a glass of champagne from a floating hand...

Closing gala - Davos 08