WEF Davos 2026: Who’s Attending, What’s on the Agenda, and Why It Matters

At a time of fractured geopolitics and AI disruption, Davos 2026 brings global power brokers together. Here’s what you need to know.

What is Davos 2026 and when is it being held?

The World Economic Forum’s 56th Annual Meeting is being held from January 19 to 23, 2026, in Davos-Klosters, Switzerland. Hosted by the World Economic Forum (WEF), the summit convenes global leaders from politics, business, technology, civil society, and international institutions to address the world’s most pressing challenges.

Why is Davos 2026 being described as one of the most consequential meetings in years?

The 2026 edition comes at a moment of geopolitical fragmentation, economic uncertainty, and rapid technological change, particularly around artificial intelligence. With global growth slowing, alliances shifting, and trust eroding across institutions, Davos has become a critical forum for dialogue rather than declarations.

How large is the gathering this year?

Nearly 3,000 leaders from more than 130 countries are expected to attend, making it one of the largest and highest-level assemblies in WEF history. The list includes around 400 political leaders, nearly 65 heads of state or government, and representatives from the G7 economies.

Which global political leaders are attending?

High-profile attendees include US President Donald Trump, who is 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.

What role does business and technology play at Davos 2026?

Around 850 top CEOs, founders, and chairpersons 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 are expected to shape discussions on AI, innovation, and the future of work.

How is India represented at the summit?

India is sending a high-level political and business delegation. Union ministers handling key portfolios such as commerce, energy, digital infrastructure, and external affairs will attend, alongside chief ministers from Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Madhya Pradesh. Corporate India will be represented by leaders including N Chandrasekaran, Nandan Nilekani, Salil Parekh, and Sunil Bharti Mittal.

What are the core themes on the Davos 2026 agenda?

The summit is organised around five interconnected priorities:

1. Cooperation in a contested world amid geopolitical and economic fragmentation

2. Deploying innovation responsibly and at scale, particularly AI

3. Unlocking new sources of growth in a low-growth global environment

4. Investing better in people, as jobs transform rapidly due to technology

5. Building prosperity within planetary boundaries, balancing growth and climate realities.

Why is AI such a central focus this year?

AI is projected to add over $15 trillion to global GDP by 2030, but its benefits depend on responsible deployment, governance, and investment. Davos 2026 will focus on how countries and companies can scale AI while managing risks related to jobs, ethics, and inequality.

Which international organisations are part of the discussions?

Key global institutions represented include the United Nations, International Monetary Fund, World Bank, World Health Organization, World Trade Organization, and NATO, reflecting Davos’s role as a rare convergence point for political, economic, and security dialogue.

Why is WEF facing backlash over inviting Iran’s foreign minister?

The WEF is under fire for inviting Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi despite allegations that Iran’s regime carried out a mass crackdown on protesters, with rights groups claiming thousands were killed. Critics say the invite legitimises a government accused of severe human rights abuses.

Why does Donald Trump’s presence matter this year?

Trump’s return to Davos is a significant geopolitical signal. Leading the largest US delegation ever, his participation heightens the summit’s importance at a time of heightened trade tensions, political polarisation, and shifting global power equations.

Why does Davos still matter in 2026?

As WEF President and CEO Borge Brende puts it, “Dialogue is not a luxury in times of uncertainty; it is an urgent necessity.” Davos 2026 aims to provide a rare, neutral space where leaders can confront divisions, recalibrate priorities, and explore solutions—away from the immediacy of domestic politics and markets.

(ANI and yMedia are the content partners for this story)