As Elite Davos Event Ends, Some Hail 'constructive Optimism' Despite Divisions, Suffering In World

The European Central Bank's president responded Friday to U.S. President Donald Trump's accusation of unfair trade treatment by the European Union by calling for negotiations and mutual respect rather than a focus purely on trans-Atlantic trade figures.

The comments by Christine Lagarde alluding to a U.S.-EU rift offered a fitting final note at the World Economic Forum's weeklong meeting : Trump's return to the White House on Monday was on everyone's lips, overshadowing traditional Davos talk about issues like climate change, free trade and economic development.

Many business leaders, world-class academics, top government officials and other elites on hand sought to cast an upbeat tone about economic prospects, efforts to end wars in places like Ukraine and the Middle East, and technological progress.

Some human rights advocates insisted that the poor, war victims and struggling migrants shouldn't be forgotten.

Trump talks tariffs