Former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made his first major public appearance with singer Katy Perry on Tuesday at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, where the 54-year-old politician delivered remarks on international relations and the changing nature of global power.
The couple, who have been romantically linked in recent months, attended the Global Soft Power Summit, an event hosted by Brand Finance alongside the larger World Economic Forum gathering. Perry, 41, watched from the front row as Trudeau addressed assembled world leaders and business executives.
In his speech, Trudeau focused on what he termed the end of an era of international stability and the emergence of new challenges in global diplomacy.
“The 80 years of stability and prosperity that the world has seen since the end of the horrors of World War Two is over,” Trudeau stated. “That era is done. We are now in a transition period where we are creating the new world we live in.”
The former prime minister emphasized the importance of what international relations experts call “soft power,” the ability of nations to influence others through values, diplomacy, and collaboration rather than military force or economic coercion. Trudeau expressed concern that some world leaders have increasingly turned to “hard power” tactics to advance their national interests, arguing that such approaches prove counterproductive in addressing contemporary global challenges.
During his remarks, Trudeau appeared to reference his relationship with Perry through an anecdote about a recent evening in Montreal. He recounted taking “an American girl to a rooftop bar in Montreal” where she ordered a Jack and Coke, only to be informed by the server that American alcohol was unavailable throughout the city and likely across Canada. The comment appeared to allude to ongoing trade tensions between the United States and Canada.
Photographs from the event showed the couple smiling and holding hands, marking a significant step in their relationship which has developed following recent breakups for both individuals. Perry wore a tan cardigan with balloon sleeves and a matching pencil skirt, accessorizing with geometric gold earrings and styling her hair in a sleek bun. Trudeau dressed in a navy blue suit with a light blue dress shirt and patterned blue-and-white tie.
The appearance comes at a pivotal moment for Trudeau, who recently stepped down as Canada’s prime minister after nearly a decade in office. His presence at Davos alongside Perry represents a new chapter both personally and professionally as he navigates his role on the international stage outside of elected office.
The World Economic Forum continues through the week, with global leaders, business executives, and public figures gathering to discuss pressing international issues ranging from economic policy to climate change and technological innovation.
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