Global Leaders Gather in Davos as WEF 2026 Seeks ‘Spirit of Dialogue’

Against one of the most complex geopolitical backdrops in decades, the World Economic Forum (WEF) has convened its 56th Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland, bringing together nearly 3,000 leaders from 130 countries. Held under the 2026 theme “A Spirit of Dialogue,” the summit seeks to restore cooperation at a time of deep global fragmentation and unprecedented technological change driven by artificial intelligence.

With trust in traditional multilateral institutions under sustained pressure, this year’s meeting positions Davos as a rare neutral platform for public–private collaboration. A record 400 government officials and 850 chief executives are participating, tasked with identifying practical pathways toward global economic and political stability.

What Is the World Economic Forum?

Founded in 1971 by German engineer and economist Klaus Schwab, the World Economic Forum is a non-profit international organization designed to foster cooperation between governments, businesses, and civil society. While it holds no formal political power, the WEF functions as a convening platform where policymakers and corporate leaders engage in dialogue on global challenges.

At the heart of the Forum’s mission is the concept of stakeholder capitalism—the idea that companies should serve not only shareholders, but also employees, consumers, communities, and the environment.

A High-Profile Guest List

Government participation has reached an all-time high this year, with more than 130 countries represented.

Among the political leaders attending are U.S. President Donald Trump, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

The technology sector is also strongly represented, particularly from the artificial intelligence frontier. Key figures include NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, and Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei.

Leaders of major international institutions—including the United Nations, International Monetary Fund, World Bank, and NATO—are also present, underscoring the Forum’s focus on global security and economic resilience.

The 2026 Agenda: Five Key Priorities

While Davos has long attracted criticism for elite networking behind closed doors, the public-facing agenda this year centers on five core challenges:

• Cooperation in a Contested World: Rebuilding dialogue and trade amid declining trust and geopolitical rivalry.
• Unlocking New Growth: Identifying economic opportunities in a high-debt, slow-growth global economy.
• Investing in People: Advancing a global “reskilling revolution” to prepare workers for an AI-driven future.
• Responsible Innovation: Ensuring generative AI is developed and deployed in ways that benefit society.
• Planetary Boundaries: Promoting a “nature-positive” economic model to address climate change and environmental degradation.

As discussions unfold in the Swiss Alps, expectations remain cautious. While the WEF cannot enforce policy, its ability to convene influential actors in one place continues to make Davos a key barometer of global priorities—and a testing ground for whether dialogue can still bridge a divided world.