The World Economic Forum meeting began in Davos on Wednesday with more than 2,400 global business and political leaders converging in this Swiss skiing resort, where they will discuss a host of issues related to the world economy, climate change and security over the next five days.

India is fielding a 100-member team, led by Commerce Minister Kamal Nath and Planning Commission Deputy Chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia. The duo will address a number of India-centric sessions on economic reforms.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel is scheduled to give the opening address at the five-day meet that will see more than 2,400 participants comprising corporate honchos, government leaders and even religious heads from across the world.

Besides economic issues, the meeting would also raise geopolitical concerns confronting the world. There are two sessions on terrorism and West Asia turmoil, in which Pakistan Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz is among those likely to attend.

The overall theme of this meeting is 'The Shifting Power Equation.' But climate change will take the centre-stage, with as many as 17 sessions on environmental issues, including the economic and security implications of global warming.

The sessions fall into four main categories -- policy, legislative and governance challenges; market and financing challenges; the challenge of leadership; and the development of innovation, the WEF has said.

Meanwhile, Indian bureaucrats and industry heads will engage in economic diplomacy, networking and selling the 'India growth story'.

Some of India's most prominent corporate leaders -- N R Narayana Murthy, Azim Premji, Anil Ambani, Vijay Mallya, Anand Mahindra, Baba Kalyani and CII President R Seshasayee -- will address the global audience.