Web Summit 2023 In Lisbon Recovers After The CEO Controversy, Still Attracting Thousands Of Participants

Totaly Maher, as the new CEO of Web Summit (photo: twitter @DiploKat)

JAKARTA - Thousands of people gathered in Lisbon to attend Europe's largest Technology Conference, Web Summit. The meeting came after efforts to regain balance after his CEO's resignation due to comments about the Israel-Hamas war.

Paddy Cosgrave, founder of Ireland from Web Summit, has been criticized for posting on social media regarding the Israeli attack on the Gaza Strip in retaliation for the attack by the Palestinian militant group Hamas on October 7. He declared "war crimes remain war crimes, even if committed by allies".

Several leading technology companies, such as Google, Meta, and Siemens, as well as some speakers, said they would not attend the event in response to a post by Cosgrave.

Cosgrave resigned as CEO last month. He stated that his comments about the conflict had been a disruption to the 2023 Web Summit in Lisbon. Web Summit appointed former CEO of the Wikimedia Foundation, total Maher, as chief executive.

"I think it's important to say that I believe everyone, everywhere, has the right to express their views on what's happening in the world," Maher said overcoming Cosgrave's resignation at the opening of the event.

"But having the right to express, and considering the weight of your words, are two different things," he said.

Most participants said that the controversy would not have an impact on their experience and praised the new CEO for tackling the issue firmly.

"They are very transparent... it helps," said Ellanoor Rep, a 34-year-old tech worker from the Netherlands.

Web Summit said more than 300 of its partners would attend the event and that some of "which are being considered have returned and canceled their decision".

A total of 2,600 startups and more than 900 investors are expected to attend this event, which will set a record number of participants.

"(Controversy) is a bit strange, but I think the impact is minimal because... we just want to enjoy this event," said Spain participant Gonzalo Calvo, 23 years old.

The event attracts around 70,000 participants each year, with speakers from global technology companies, startups, and politicians. Several high-level speakers this year include former US army analysts and WikiLeaks sources Chelsea Manning and president Alibaba.com, Kuo Zhang.