At a pivotal moment for global cooperation, the World Economic Forum (WEF) is scheduled to convene its 56th Annual Meeting from 19 to 23 January 2026 in Davos-Klosters, Switzerland, bringing together close to 3 000 cross-sector leaders from over 130 countries under the theme “A Spirit of Dialogue.”
Marking record levels of governmental participation, 400 top political leaders – including close to 65 heads of state and government and six of the G7’s leaders – are expected to take part, alongside nearly 850 of the world’s top CEOs and chairpersons, and almost 100 leading unicorns and technology pioneers.
Amid the most complex geopolitical backdrop in decades – marked by rising fragmentation and rapid technological change – the need for an impartial platform that brings together diverse and sometimes diverging voices across industries, regions, and generations is urgent.
Building on the Forum’s long-standing tradition of providing a trusted space for dialogue and public-private collaboration, the Annual Meeting 2026 will enable an open exchange of ideas and perspectives on the issues that matter most to people, economies, and the planet, turning shared understanding into action.
“Dialogue is not a luxury in times of uncertainty; it is an urgent necessity,” said Børge Brende, president and CEO, World Economic Forum.
“At a critical juncture for international cooperation – marked by profound geoeconomic and technological transformation – this year’s Annual Meeting will be one of our most consequential. With historic levels of participation, it will provide a space for an unparalleled mix of global leaders and innovators to work through and look beyond divisions, gain insight into a fast-shifting global landscape, and advance solutions to today’s and tomorrow’s biggest and most pressing challenges,” he added.
“As the World Economic Forum enters its next chapter, this year’s Annual Meeting is bringing together a record number of global leaders from government, business, and non-governmental organisations at a moment when dialogue matters more than ever,” said Larry Fink, interim co-chair, World Economic Forum.
“Understanding different perspectives is essential to driving economic progress and ensuring prosperity is more broadly shared. At a moment when cooperation matters more than ever, the Annual Meeting provides a unique space to turn dialogue into meaningful progress,” said André Hoffmann, interim co-chair, World Economic Forum.
“By bringing together leaders across regions and sectors, it creates the conditions to rebuild trust, align priorities and advance solutions that support long-term, sustainable growth for all, within planetary boundaries. In an era where exponential technological innovation and geopolitical disruption are deeply intertwined, the need for constructive dialogue between policy-makers and industry is clear,” said Mirek Dušek, managing director of the World Economic Forum.
“Leaders will share views from across sectors to help build the understanding needed to balance short-term priorities and immediate challenges with long-term value creation,” he added.
