One of the key themes at the World Economic Forum has been the Middle East and there seems to be an opening to move forward on a political process. There is a note of optimism about a window of opportunity.
Everyone seemed to agree that the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is "the central issue fueling instability in the region".
The World Economic Forum debate focused on the politics, but there is are human stories that also need to be told.
In December, when I visited Israel and the Occupied Territories, I saw for myself the terrible litany of human rights abuses and entrenched impunity. Despair about the foreseeable future is fueling the radicalization of a predominantly young Palestinian population who see no prospects of a normal life.
The number of Palestinians killed has increased sharply in recent months, both as a result of deliberate and reckless shooting and shelling by Israeli forces and inter-factional killings, abductions and other abuse of human rights by Palestinians on Palestinians.
The economic situation in the Occupied Territories is dire, trapping an entire population in deep poverty. The cumulative impact of severe restrictions on the freedom of movement of Palestinians, the expansion of Israeli settlements and the building of the wall inside the Occupied Territories has strangled the local economy.
On the Israeli side too, there is fear of attacks by Palestinians and despair at the political stalemate.
There is an urgent need for all leaders of the international community to use their utmost influence to immediately end the killings and attacks on civilians and to agree on measures to build confidence and hope in the political process.
Here in Davos, the Israeli and Palestinian delegates seemed optimistic that the political process might move forward. That is a good sign for a region that has had little to look forward to for a long time.
But it will be meaningless if it fails to address the problems of insecurity, impunity and lawlessness, as well as the long-standing issues at the heart of the conflict.
For more Davos coverage -- including news, videos, and blog posts -- visit the Davos Conversation site.