Pritzker Headed To Europe To Promote Illinois Among World Leaders

ILLINOIS— Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker, fresh off of his inauguration into another term of office, will head to Europe next week to promote the state on a world stage as part of a group of governors participating in the World Economic Forum, the governor’s office announced on Friday.

Pritzker, who soundly defeated Republican Darren Bailey in the November general election, is headed to Davos, Switzerland as part of the annual meeting that brings together world leaders to discuss political and social priorities, Pritzker’s office said.

Pritzker will be in Davos from Tuesday to Thursday.

This year’s theme is built around building cooperation in a fragmented world. Pritzker is also scheduled to travel to Germany for business development purposes, his office announced.

“I’m looking forward to meeting with leaders from across various industries, nonprofits, and business over the course of next week to learn from the cutting edge work they’re doing and to share our own advancements here in Illinois,” Pritzker said in a news release. “Our work on clean energy, our investments in infrastructure, and our dedication to technological innovation and growth are all world-class.”

Pritzker is scheduled to participate in a number of forums at the annual conference including meetings including those that will discuss navigating the new energy reality, chartering the course to COP28 and as well as one discussing the American legislative landscape.

Pritzker will be accompanied by First Lady MK Pritzker, Chief of Staff Anne Caprara, Deputy Governor Andy Manar, and Deputy Governor Christian Mitchell, the governor’s office said.

While in Europe, Pritzker will highlight the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act, the Reimagining Electric Vehicles Act and Illinois’ many commitments to clean energy and sustainable power. He is also expected to promote the Rebuild Illinois Capital plan, which is one of the largest in the U.S., his office said, as well as Illinois’ nation-leading work on reproductive health and gun violence prevention.

Asked about whether he believes Illinois should be promoted on a world stage during a news conference on Friday, Pritzker believes the state’s standing among the U.S. has already made that a reality.

“We’re the fifth largest state in the United States,” Pritzker said, according to CapitolFax.com "We’re already on the world stage.”