avos, Switzerland will host the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) 56th annual meeting from 19–23 January. The 2026 summit’s theme, “A Spirit of Dialogue,” will emphasize rebuilding cooperation across geopolitical divides. The agenda also highlights a need to restore public trust in global economic government. At a time when the potential benefits of multilateralism are continually called into question, this year’s WEF must prove that dialogues can evolve into coordinated, global action.
Context
The UN’s World Economic Situation and Prospects 2026 report predicts that global economic output will grow by 2.7% in 2026—a small decline from 2025—and warns that this growth will be uneven across countries. Developed and large developing economies will see a modest increase, but vulnerable countries will have to contend with large debts, climate–related impacts, and minimal fiscal space. The report projects that continued rapid AI development will likely worsen inequalities across nations’ economies. An uneven global economy will hamper progress toward the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. The report also warns that the impact of U.S. tariffs is more likely to be felt in 2026 than in 2025 as geopolitical tensions become more unpredictable.
What’s on the agenda
Heading into the 2026 World Economic Forum, here’s what you can expect:
- Institutional trust is under intense strain. The 2025 Edelman Trust Barometer found that six out of ten people harbor grievances against the government, businesses, and the rich. Those surveyed also reported an all–time high fear that they are being lied to by authorities such as the government, business leaders, and reporters. A 2025 OECD survey reported that 44% of respondents had low or no trust in their government. Respondents with significant financial concerns were especially likely not to trust the government compared to those without financial concerns. The Reuters Institute’s Digital News Report 2025 highlights the continuing trend of the public relying on social media and influencers as trusted news sources. And over half of those surveyed expressed concern about their ability to distinguish between true and false news. WEF is itself confronting some concerns about its credibility given the manner of WEF founder, Klaus Schwab, last year. Yet this is looking to be one of the most well–attended WEFs in history, making this a prime opportunity for WEF to prove its mandate, and demonstrate global cooperation remains possible amid these pressures.
- As economic nationalism rises, geopolitical order is fragmenting. The World Bank’s January 2026 Global Economic Prospects report warns of near–term risks to the global economy, including increased trade restrictions. The UN’s 2025 World Investment Report saw global foreign direct investment fall by 11% in 2024. The UN’s 2026 World Economic Situation and Prospects report suggests strengthening global collaboration to invest in vulnerable economies to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and protect the global economy. Yet in January 2026, the Center for Strategic and International Studies noted that USAID, a critical contributor to foreign humanitarian aid, has always been reliant on domestic interests. Although the U.S. has paid its World Trade Organization (WTO) fees, it has proposed reforms that could entirely reshape the organization, including allowing countries to take action to protect their national security interests without the WTO passing judgment.
- Artificial intelligence is reshaping labor markets faster than we can respond. The OECD estimates that around one–quarter of jobs in developed economies are highly exposed to AI–driven automation. The WEF’s Future of Jobs Report 2025 highlights uncertainty about the future job market, as half of global employers planned to adapt their businesses and hiring practices around AI. Yet the International Labor Organization (ILO) warns that AI’s potential to discriminate algorithmically could lead to inequitable hiring practices. The IMF’s AI Preparedness Index predicts that developed countries are better positioned to benefit from and use AI, as vulnerable countries largely lack AI infrastructure. Although some researchers suggest AI could reverse trends in wage inequality, a 2024 OECD study found no evidence that AI impacted wage gaps.
What they’re saying
- The WEF may be facing its biggest challenge since it was founded in 1971. It is confronting multiple headwinds: the retreat of globalisation, widespread distrust of elites, and the abrupt transition from Klaus Schwab’s leadership. Author of “Swiss Made: The Untold Story Behind Switzerland’s Success” James Breiding.
- There is a potential for splitting societies, and there is a real potential for splitting the world into the countries which can afford it and the countries which cannot afford it. Norwegian hedge fund manager Nicolai Tangen.
- We are seeing a record number of participants and heads of government this year, which underlines the continued need for a trusted, safe space for dialogue. In an increasingly fragmented world. World Economic Forum Interim Co–Chair Andre Hoffmann.
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World Economic Forum 2026 is at a critical juncture
Photo via Unsplash+
January 15, 2026
Leaders and experts from all over the world are converging on the small Swiss resort town of Davos for the World Economic Forum in a bid to renew cooperation across geopolitical divides. Diplomatic Courier’s Stephanie Gull breaks down what to expect.
D
avos, Switzerland will host the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) 56th annual meeting from 19–23 January. The 2026 summit’s theme, “A Spirit of Dialogue,” will emphasize rebuilding cooperation across geopolitical divides. The agenda also highlights a need to restore public trust in global economic government. At a time when the potential benefits of multilateralism are continually called into question, this year’s WEF must prove that dialogues can evolve into coordinated, global action.
Context
The UN’s World Economic Situation and Prospects 2026 report predicts that global economic output will grow by 2.7% in 2026—a small decline from 2025—and warns that this growth will be uneven across countries. Developed and large developing economies will see a modest increase, but vulnerable countries will have to contend with large debts, climate–related impacts, and minimal fiscal space. The report projects that continued rapid AI development will likely worsen inequalities across nations’ economies. An uneven global economy will hamper progress toward the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. The report also warns that the impact of U.S. tariffs is more likely to be felt in 2026 than in 2025 as geopolitical tensions become more unpredictable.
What’s on the agenda
Heading into the 2026 World Economic Forum, here’s what you can expect:
- Institutional trust is under intense strain. The 2025 Edelman Trust Barometer found that six out of ten people harbor grievances against the government, businesses, and the rich. Those surveyed also reported an all–time high fear that they are being lied to by authorities such as the government, business leaders, and reporters. A 2025 OECD survey reported that 44% of respondents had low or no trust in their government. Respondents with significant financial concerns were especially likely not to trust the government compared to those without financial concerns. The Reuters Institute’s Digital News Report 2025 highlights the continuing trend of the public relying on social media and influencers as trusted news sources. And over half of those surveyed expressed concern about their ability to distinguish between true and false news. WEF is itself confronting some concerns about its credibility given the manner of WEF founder, Klaus Schwab, last year. Yet this is looking to be one of the most well–attended WEFs in history, making this a prime opportunity for WEF to prove its mandate, and demonstrate global cooperation remains possible amid these pressures.
- As economic nationalism rises, geopolitical order is fragmenting. The World Bank’s January 2026 Global Economic Prospects report warns of near–term risks to the global economy, including increased trade restrictions. The UN’s 2025 World Investment Report saw global foreign direct investment fall by 11% in 2024. The UN’s 2026 World Economic Situation and Prospects report suggests strengthening global collaboration to invest in vulnerable economies to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and protect the global economy. Yet in January 2026, the Center for Strategic and International Studies noted that USAID, a critical contributor to foreign humanitarian aid, has always been reliant on domestic interests. Although the U.S. has paid its World Trade Organization (WTO) fees, it has proposed reforms that could entirely reshape the organization, including allowing countries to take action to protect their national security interests without the WTO passing judgment.
- Artificial intelligence is reshaping labor markets faster than we can respond. The OECD estimates that around one–quarter of jobs in developed economies are highly exposed to AI–driven automation. The WEF’s Future of Jobs Report 2025 highlights uncertainty about the future job market, as half of global employers planned to adapt their businesses and hiring practices around AI. Yet the International Labor Organization (ILO) warns that AI’s potential to discriminate algorithmically could lead to inequitable hiring practices. The IMF’s AI Preparedness Index predicts that developed countries are better positioned to benefit from and use AI, as vulnerable countries largely lack AI infrastructure. Although some researchers suggest AI could reverse trends in wage inequality, a 2024 OECD study found no evidence that AI impacted wage gaps.
What they’re saying
- The WEF may be facing its biggest challenge since it was founded in 1971. It is confronting multiple headwinds: the retreat of globalisation, widespread distrust of elites, and the abrupt transition from Klaus Schwab’s leadership. Author of “Swiss Made: The Untold Story Behind Switzerland’s Success” James Breiding.
- There is a potential for splitting societies, and there is a real potential for splitting the world into the countries which can afford it and the countries which cannot afford it. Norwegian hedge fund manager Nicolai Tangen.
- We are seeing a record number of participants and heads of government this year, which underlines the continued need for a trusted, safe space for dialogue. In an increasingly fragmented world. World Economic Forum Interim Co–Chair Andre Hoffmann.
