The World Economic Forum’s 56th Annual Meeting will take place from January 19 to 23, 2026, in Davos-Klosters, Switzerland. This gathering will bring together global leaders from various sectors, including politics, business, technology, civil society, and international institutions, to address some of the world’s most pressing challenges.
Described as one of the most consequential meetings in recent years, Davos 2026 is set against a backdrop of geopolitical fragmentation, economic uncertainty, and rapid technological advancements, particularly in the realm of artificial intelligence. With global growth slowing and trust in institutions eroding, Davos is increasingly viewed as a critical forum for dialogue rather than mere declarations.
Nearly 3,000 leaders from over 130 countries are expected to attend, making it one of the largest and highest-level assemblies in the history of the WEF. The anticipated participants include approximately 400 political leaders, nearly 65 heads of state or government, and representatives from the G7 economies.
Notable attendees will include US President Donald Trump, leading the largest-ever US delegation to Davos; Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney; German Chancellor Friedrich Merz; European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen; China’s Vice-Premier He Lifeng; and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
In the business and technology sectors, around 850 CEOs and founders from global corporations are expected to participate. Technology leaders such as Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, and Google DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis will engage in discussions focused on AI, innovation, and the future of work.
India will be represented by a high-level political and business delegation, including union ministers responsible for commerce, energy, digital infrastructure, and external affairs, alongside chief ministers from states such as Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh. Leading figures from corporate India, including N Chandrasekaran, Nandan Nilekani, Salil Parekh, and Sunil Bharti Mittal, are also expected to attend.
The summit will focus on five interconnected priorities, with AI taking center stage. Projected to contribute over $15 trillion to global GDP by 2030, AI’s potential hinges on responsible deployment, governance, and investment. Discussions will center on how nations and companies can expand AI applications while managing risks related to jobs, ethics, and inequality.
Key global institutions, including the United Nations, International Monetary Fund, World Bank, World Health Organization, World Trade Organization, and NATO, will be part of the discussions, underscoring Davos’s role as a rare convergence point for political, economic, and security dialogue.
The WEF faces criticism for inviting Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, especially amid allegations of a harsh crackdown on protesters in Iran, with rights groups claiming thousands were killed. Critics argue that the invitation legitimizes a regime accused of significant human rights abuses.
Trump’s participation carries particular weight this year, leading the largest US delegation ever to Davos. His presence signals significant geopolitical implications amid rising trade tensions, political polarization, and shifting global power dynamics.
Ultimately, Davos 2026 seeks to reinforce the notion that dialogue is essential during uncertain times. As WEF President and CEO Borge Brende stated, “Dialogue is not a luxury in times of uncertainty; it is an urgent necessity.” The summit aims to provide a neutral space for leaders to confront divisions, recalibrate priorities, and explore solutions outside the pressures of domestic politics and immediate market concerns.
For further information on the World Economic Forum, visit the official website.
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