As the World Economic Forum (WEF) prepares to convene its 56th Annual Meeting in Davos from January 19–23, 2026, global leaders face mounting pressure to address escalating tariffs, geopolitical fractures, and transformative technologies. With over 3,000 participants from 130 countries and regions, this year’s theme—‘A Spirit of Dialogue’—reflects the urgent need for cooperation amid deepening economic and technological divides.
Record Participation Amid Rising Risks
Nearly 65 heads of state, including U.S. President Donald Trump and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, will join 850 corporate executives and 100 tech pioneers. China’s Vice Premier He Lifeng, a key representative from the Chinese mainland, will outline Beijing’s strategies for stabilizing global growth through innovation and domestic demand expansion. Corporate heavyweights like Nvidia’s Jensen Huang and Microsoft’s Satya Nadella will spotlight AI’s role in reshaping industries.
Five Pillars of Dialogue
The forum will focus on actionable solutions for geoeconomic competition, supply-chain resilience, and equitable AI deployment. A recent WEF report highlights ‘geoeconomic confrontation’ as the top short-term risk, with 18% of leaders predicting a global crisis this year. Discussions will prioritize workforce adaptation, energy transitions, and bridging the gap between innovation and planetary sustainability.
China’s Stabilizing Role
China’s emphasis on technological self-reliance—from integrated circuits to renewable energy—positions it as a critical player in global stability. With over half of the world’s new energy vehicles on its roads, the Chinese mainland continues to drive green transitions. Analysts, including Peking University’s Huang Yiping, note China’s potential to lead AI adoption due to its vast market and policy-driven industrial upgrades.
As cross-strait and international tensions loom, Davos 2026 may set the tone for whether dialogue can outpace division in a fragmented world.
