Davos 2026: The World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting 2026 will commence on 19 January 2026 in Davos, Switzerland. The five-day global summit is expected to bring together nearly 3,000 leaders from over 130 countries, making it one of the largest and most influential Davos gatherings in recent years.
Held amid rising economic uncertainty, geopolitical tensions, climate stress, and rapid technological change, Davos 2026 aims to foster dialogue and cooperation on pressing global challenges.
Why in News?
The WEF Annual Meeting 2026 is in news as it begins on 19 January in Davos. The summit has drawn global attention due to its scale, high-level political participation, and focus on rebuilding trust in a fragmented and polarised world order.
What is Davos and the World Economic Forum?
- The World Economic Forum (WEF) is an international non-profit organisation based in Geneva, Switzerland.
- Founded over five decades ago, WEF brings together political leaders, business executives, international organisations, academics, and civil society.
- Its flagship event is the Annual Meeting in Davos, which serves as a platform for public–private cooperation.
- The forum’s mission is to improve the state of the world by encouraging dialogue, collaboration, and innovative policy solutions across borders and sectors.
Davos 2026: Dates, Location and Theme
- Dates: 19–23 January 2026
- Location: Davos, Switzerland
- Theme: “A Spirit of Dialogue”
The theme underscores the urgent need for cooperation, trust-building, and constructive engagement in an increasingly divided global environment. Key discussions will focus on managing geopolitical risks, reviving economic growth, addressing climate challenges, and navigating technological disruption.
India at Davos 2026
- India will have a high-level political and business presence, reflecting its rising global economic and strategic importance.
- Senior Union Ministers handling portfolios such as commerce, energy, digital infrastructure, and external affairs are expected to attend.
- Several state chief ministers, including those from Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Madhya Pradesh, Kerala, and other states, will participate.
- Leading Indian corporate groups such as Tata, Infosys, Mahindra, and JSW will anchor India’s business engagement.
What India and States Aim to Showcase
Indian states will leverage Davos 2026 to:
- Attract foreign direct investment (FDI)
- Showcase state-specific development models
- Promote sectoral opportunities in infrastructure, manufacturing, technology, and energy
- Kerala will highlight its responsible investment and ESG-focused approach.
- Jharkhand will present its renewable energy-driven transition model.
- Andhra Pradesh will focus on industrial growth and infrastructure development.
- These efforts aim to position India as a reliable and long-term global growth partner.
About the World Economic Forum (WEF)
| Aspect | Details |
| Established | 1971 (as European Management Forum) |
| Renamed | World Economic Forum in 1987 |
| Founder | Klaus Schwab (German economist) |
| Key Idea | Stakeholder Capitalism |
| Headquarters | Cologny, Switzerland |
| Objectives | Improve the state of the world, promote public–private cooperation, address global economic, social and environmental challenges |
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