TikTok took four leading creators from across the globe to Davos, Switzerland, this year so that they could champion their causes against the backdrop of the World Economic Forum (WEF).
It is the first time that creators have taken part in the annual gathering of political, business and other leaders alongside TikTok executives.
The creators were: Nadya Okamoto, an entrepreneur who campaigns to destigmatise periods and end period poverty; Dr. Karan Rajan, a surgeon and author from England who tackles disinformation around health; Vina Muliana, an HR professional from Indonesia who posts career advice; Erika Thompson, a beekeeper and environmentalist.
The team met a wide variety of people and organisations to discuss the causes and interests that they champion in meetings held throughout the week and also at a dinner hosted by TikTok in the Swiss ski resort.
Nadya, who has more than four million followers on TikTok and whose videos have over 405 million likes, met with Dr. Natalia Kanem, Executive Director of the United Nations Population Fund, the UN's sexual and reproductive health agency. You can see two of her TikToks here and here.
Dr. Karan, who has 5.2 million TikTok followers and 336 million likes, partnered with WEF to create content with prominent figures and organisations including the European Space Agency and astronaut Matthias Mauer.
Vina, who has more than 8.5 million followers and over 195 million likes, interviewed Gilbert F. Houngbo, the Director General of the International Labour Office. They discussed the future of AI in the workforce along with advice for the younger generation and skills people starting their careers should learn. You can see one of her Davos TikToks here.
Erika Thompson, who has 11.5 million followers and more than 175 million likes, met with her lifetime hero Jane Goodall and discussed the impact the environmentalist has had on her life and her career as a beekeeper.
"It was an honor to attend Davos with TikTok this year - my 10th year as a period advocate fighting for menstrual equity," Nadya said. "I am immensely grateful for TikTok's support in championing menstrual equity and period positivity. Together, we continue to break barriers, challenge stigmas, and inspire change on a global scale."
“My main aim of using TikTok is to improve health literacy and hopefully as a result make health more accessible and equitable for everyone," Dr. Karan said. "Having the opportunity to go to the World Economic Forum with TikTok gave me the chance to interact with the sort of people that can help make my aims a reality on a global scale! Watch this space!”
All four creators took part in a fireside chat with TikTok's Head of Operations Adam Presser at the TikTok dinner hosted by Global General Counsel Erich Andersen and Blake Chandlee, President of Global Business Solutions, which was also attended by Executive Vice Presidents Helena Lersch and Theo Bertram.
"Our amazing creators are what make TikTok the success it is, with more than a billion people regularly coming to the platform to express themselves and be entertained and, increasingly, to learn new skills and hobbies and to build businesses," Adam said. "It was a privilege to accompany four of the very best to Davos and see them champion so successfully the causes they stand for."
"Nadya, Dr. Karan, Vina and Erika represent the values of sustainability, equality, education and learning while also embodying TikTok's mission to inspire creativity and bring joy."