Davos, Switzerland, January 20, 2026
The World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos has commenced with nearly 3,000 leaders from business, government, civil society, and academia present. With the theme ‘A Spirit of Dialogue,’ this year’s forum emphasizes the need for collaboration in addressing global challenges. Key discussions will revolve around economic revitalization, international cooperation, and responsible innovation. Notable figures in attendance include U.S. President Donald Trump and BlackRock CEO Larry Fink, alongside various leaders representing over 130 countries.
Davos Welcomes Record Attendance at the 2026 World Economic Forum
Davos, Switzerland – The 2026 World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting kicked off on January 19, 2026, with a remarkable assembly of nearly 3,000 leaders across business, government, civil society, and academia, representing over 130 countries. Given the ever-growing complexities of our global landscape, the theme for this year’s meeting, “A Spirit of Dialogue,” underlines the necessity of collaboration in navigating contemporary challenges. In an era where entrepreneurship and private sector innovation are critical, San Diego’s local business scene mirrors the themes presented at Davos, showcasing resilience and the potential for growth even amidst uncertainty.
The meeting’s extensive agenda includes discussions that resonate with themes of economic revitalization and community involvement, vital points for San Diego entrepreneurs striving to unlock new growth avenues while encountering the pressures of regulation. The forum this year includes almost 65 heads of state and government as well as six G7 leaders, emphasizing the importance of cooperation in a contested world.
Key Themes and Discussions
The WEF’s agenda encapsulates several pertinent global issues:
- Cooperation in a Contested World: Strategies for international partnership amid increasing geopolitical tensions.
- Unlocking New Sources of Growth: Innovative methods to stimulate economic development.
- Investing in People: Prioritizing education and skills development for future generations.
- Deploying Innovation Responsibly: Addressing the ethical concerns surrounding rapid technological advancements.
- Building Prosperity Within Planetary Boundaries: Fostering sustainable development while managing environmental limits.
Prominent Figures at the Forum
Among the notable attendees are:
- U.S. President Donald Trump: Leading the largest-ever U.S. delegation to the WEF, which includes five Cabinet secretaries.
- BlackRock CEO Larry Fink: Setting the stage with remarks on the evolution of capitalism in relation to societal challenges.
- OpenAI Representatives: Discussing the implications of rapid advancements in artificial intelligence, particularly emphasizing the concept of “capability overhang.”
Beyond the main sessions, the Open Forum Davos 2026, taking place from January 19 to 22, offers the public an opportunity to engage with essential discussions on themes such as the future of mountain regions, advancements in health care, and the escalation of the new space race.
About the World Economic Forum
Founded in 1971, the WEF is an international organization dedicated to enhancing global conditions by involving leaders from multiple sectors to tackle pressing global issues. The annual meetings in Davos serve as a pivotal platform for these leaders to collaborate, set agendas, and prioritize actions for the upcoming year.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the World Economic Forum (WEF)?
The WEF is an international organization that brings together leaders from business, government, civil society, and academia to discuss and address global challenges.
When and where is the 2026 WEF Annual Meeting taking place?
The 2026 WEF Annual Meeting is being held from January 19 to 23, 2026, in Davos, Switzerland.
Who are some of the notable participants at the 2026 forum?
Notable participants include U.S. President Donald Trump, BlackRock CEO Larry Fink, and representatives from OpenAI.
What are the key themes being discussed at the forum?
The forum focuses on themes such as cooperation in a contested world, unlocking new sources of growth, investing in people, deploying innovation responsibly, and building prosperity within planetary boundaries.
What is the Open Forum Davos 2026?
The Open Forum Davos 2026 is a series of publicly accessible sessions running from January 19 to 22, 2026, under the theme “Visions of 2050: Tomorrow Starts Now,” covering topics like the future of mountain regions, advancements in medicine, and the new space race.
Key Features of the 2026 World Economic Forum Annual Meeting
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Record Participation | Nearly 3,000 leaders from over 130 countries, including close to 65 heads of state and government, six G7 leaders, and nearly 850 top CEOs and chairpersons. |
| Key Themes | Cooperation in a contested world, unlocking new sources of growth, investing in people, deploying innovation responsibly, and building prosperity within planetary boundaries. |
| Notable Participants | U.S. President Donald Trump, BlackRock CEO Larry Fink, and OpenAI representatives. |
| Open Forum Davos 2026 | A series of publicly accessible sessions under the theme “Visions of 2050: Tomorrow Starts Now,” covering topics like the future of mountain regions, advancements in medicine, and the new space race. |
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