#TheWorldEconomicForum

As of January 24, 2026, the 56th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland widely known simply as Davos has drawn global attention as world leaders, CEOs, policymakers, and civil society figures debate how to navigate one of the most complex geopolitical and economic backdrops in recent history. Against the official theme “A Spirit of Dialogue,” nearly 3,000 participants from over 130 countries, including around 65 heads of state and government, a majority of G7 leaders, and hundreds of top chief executives, convened from January 19–23 to share insights, negotiate cooperation, and seek consensus on urgent global issues.
This year’s Forum was marked by intense discussions over geopolitical tensions, trade disruptions, and technology‑driven change. One prominent focal point was the fallout from heightened U.S.–Europe trade strains linked to Greenland an issue that briefly pushed global markets toward risk‑off behaviour before U.S. leadership walked back tariff threats. European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde, IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva, and WTO Director‑General Ngozi Okonjo‑Iweala noted that despite these frictions, the global economy shows unexpected resilience, even as debt levels, inequality, and fragmented trade policies continue to pose serious long‑term challenges.
A major theme at this year’s Forum was the impact of rapid technological advances, especially artificial intelligence. IMF leaders described AI’s disruption as akin to a “tsunami” that will reshape labour markets with young workers and middle‑class jobs among the most vulnerable if governments and businesses fail to manage the transition effectively. Panelists warned that while AI boosts productivity and creates opportunities, it also risks deepening inequality and requires swift, coordinated policy responses. Leaders from industry and finance championed innovation alongside ethical and regulatory frameworks to ensure equitable benefits from emerging technologies, urging investment in human capital and skills to future‑proof workforces globally.
The Forum also showcased collaboration initiatives and regional engagement, with announcements such as the World Economic Forum Global Collaboration and Growth Meeting scheduled for April 22–23, 2026, in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, intended to build on momentum from Davos and promote sustained cooperation on shared challenges. Around the main sessions, delegates explored topics ranging from clean energy investment strategies and AI governance to global cybersecurity concerns and resilient supply chains, reflecting the WEF’s emphasis on multi‑stakeholder solutions that balance short‑term shocks with long‑term global goals.
Beyond macroeconomic and technology debates, the Forum provided a platform for national voices to elevate their strategic visions. Leaders such as Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto delivered keynote addresses, while emerging economies like India and Nigeria used the stage to underscore growth strategies, agricultural security, and structural reforms aimed at integrating more deeply with the global economy. Subnational and local partnerships also emerged, with Assam announcing plans for a Centre of Excellence in collaboration with the WEF, targeting innovation and development to connect the region more closely with global best practices.
Critics of Davos events from civil society groups to independent analysts noted that while rich debates occur at the summit, translating high‑level dialogue into tangible actions that deliver equitable results for vulnerable populations remains a central test for the Forum’s relevance. Despite this, the 2026 meeting reaffirmed the WEF’s role as one of the most influential global platforms for public‑private cooperation on shared economic, social, and environmental priorities.
In summary, #TheWorldEconomicForum 2026 has played out as a dynamic intersection of power, policy, and possibility where world leaders confront economic volatility, technological transformation, and geopolitical fragmentation, all while seeking collaborative paths forward that can shape global prosperity and resilience in the years ahead.