Not so dismal

Davos, Switzerland

The World Economic Forum wasn’t nearly as dull as usual this year, thanks to an infusion of actors and rock stars. The meeting, held every year in the Swiss Alps, brings financiers and finance ministers together to discuss international finance. This week in Davos, though, the talk was all about charity. Angelina Jolie, movie star and U.N. goodwill ambassador, urged rich nations to give more to refugees. Richard Gere lobbied for money to fight AIDS in India, while U2 frontman Bono stumped for Africa. And actress Sharon Stone stood up in the middle of a session on malaria and pledged to donate $10,000 on the spot. “Would anyone else like to?” she asked. “Just stand up!” In five minutes, she raised $1 million.