Global political and business leaders convened for the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) 56th Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland, under the theme “A Spirit of Dialogue.” The event aims to address pressing geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainty, and the rapid emergence of frontier technologies.
Nearly 3,000 participants from various sectors, including governments, companies, and civil society groups, are attending the four-day forum, which organizers emphasize provides a neutral platform for dialogue amid strained international cooperation. WEF leaders stress that in these uncertain times, mapping a pathway forward in both business and politics is essential.
Challenges including U.S. President Donald Trump’s controversial threats regarding Greenland, ongoing peace talks for Ukraine, and impending tariffs pose potential disruptions to the agenda. French President Emmanuel Macron is expected to deliver a speech on Tuesday focusing on his vision for addressing significant economic and geopolitical issues, while also highlighting France’s priorities during its G7 presidency.
Artificial intelligence (AI) and other advanced technologies are anticipated to be key topics of discussion, with Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang among the notable attendees. Delegations from Europe, Asia, and Latin America are poised to outline their national strategies for innovation, competitiveness, and long-term growth.
This year’s meeting marks a significant leadership transition for the Forum, with new co-chairs stepping in following founder Klaus Schwab’s decision to step back from his role. Organizers indicated that the agenda will concentrate on navigating an increasingly contentious global landscape characterized by shifting alliances, sluggish trade growth, and persistent inflation. Other critical topics include labor disruptions due to technology, pressures on public finances, and risks associated with climate change.
During the event, sideline meetings will provide senior officials and executives opportunities to seek clarity on policy directions and favorable investment conditions.
Concerns Over Greenland
European leaders are likely to express their apprehensions regarding the U.S. government’s renewed interest in Greenland during discussions with President Trump. This follows urgent talks in Brussels where European Union governments deliberated potential responses to U.S. tariff threats, including €93 billion in retaliatory measures and possible utilization of the EU’s Anti-Coercion Instrument.
EU officials indicated that the Greenland matter is expected to be addressed during bilateral discussions at the Swiss venue. However, reports from Bloomberg noted that Danish government officials have opted not to attend the WEF due to escalating tensions surrounding Greenland. “Danish representatives were invited this year, and any decisions regarding attendance are made by the government. We can confirm that the Danish government will not be represented at Davos this week,” stated the Forum organizers.
Potential for a Gaza “Board of Peace”
Amid various discussions, diplomatic delegations are anticipating an announcement regarding the proposed Gaza “Board of Peace,” with private talks expected to explore the initiative’s structure and scope. This initiative gained traction after Kazakhstan expressed its willingness to join as a founding member.
Ukraine and Russia
Ukraine’s participation at the forum is set to focus on ongoing negotiations with U.S. officials about a potential peace framework with Russia. Senior Ukrainian negotiators aim to build upon discussions initiated earlier in Washington, concentrating on security guarantees, reconstruction priorities, and energy resilience. The Ukraine House Davos 2026 will host parallel meetings intended to broaden international support for long-term recovery.
Notable Arrivals at Davos
Among the high-profile attendees at the WEF is Nigeria’s Vice-President Kashim Shettima. President Trump is scheduled to address the forum on Wednesday, leading a notably large U.S. delegation, comprising around 400 political leaders, including over 60 heads of state and government. Analysts speculate that Trump’s speech may echo sentiments similar to those voiced by U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance at last year’s Munich Security Conference, where he criticized European allies.
According to AnewZ’s Orkhan Amashov, the forum has attracted a diverse group of participants, with approximately 3,000 individuals from 100 countries, including about 400 top political leaders. Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva are also among the attendees, with Aliyev already engaging in several meetings with global CEOs and entrepreneurs.
However, Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has canceled his planned participation in the Davos summit following a tragic high-speed train crash that resulted in at least 39 fatalities. He has declared three days of national mourning and pledged to investigate the cause of the incident.
Wealth Inequality Spotlight
Coinciding with the Davos meeting, a new report from Oxfam revealed that billionaire wealth surged by 16% last year, reaching $18.3 trillion, marking the fastest growth rate in five years. This increase has exacerbated economic and political divides globally, driven by soaring valuations in AI companies and specific policy decisions made during Trump’s administration. Oxfam cautioned that extreme wealth concentration threatens democratic stability, citing research indicating that billionaires are significantly more likely to hold political office than ordinary citizens. The charity is urging governments to implement national plans to reduce inequality, raise taxes on extreme wealth, and reinforce limits on political influence as global poverty and food insecurity grow.
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