WEF 2026 at Davos: AI, Trade, and Resilience Talks that Could Shape Global Governance
The World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting 2026 is scheduled to take place in Davos-Klosters from 19 to 23 January. This year’s agenda will focus on pivotal topics such as AI governance and preventing trade fragmentation. Leaders will specifically address the rise of Artificial Intelligence while aiming to restore trade resilience.
Restoring Trust through Dialogue
The 2026 meeting is anchored by the theme ‘A Spirit of Dialogue‘. The WEF states that this initiative aims to reconnect global stakeholders to solve deep-seated divisions, moving beyond crisis management to long-term cooperation.
Governing the ‘Intelligent Age’
A primary focus will be the governance of Artificial Intelligence. Leaders are expected to debate new regulatory frameworks to ensure that AI drives productivity safely, preventing a digital divide while managing risks related to employment and security.
Preventing Trade Wars: Resilience Against Fragmentation
The agenda will address the escalating threat of protectionism. Discussions will center on keeping trade routes open and resilient, with the Global Cooperation Barometer warning that rising geopolitical walls are stifling economic recovery.
A New Era of Growth: Boosting Global Productivity
Economists at Davos will explore how to harness the ‘Intelligent Age‘ to restart global growth. The focus will be on leveraging technology to lift productivity rates that have stagnated since the 2008 financial crisis.
Energy and Climate Security
Delegates will address how to secure green energy supply chains against geopolitical shocks. The goal is to ensure that the transition to net-zero is not derailed by conflicts in resource-rich regions like the Middle East.
Cooperation in a Contested World
The forum provides a neutral space for rival nations to engage. Specific sessions will target conflict resolution, aiming to prevent regional wars from spiraling into broader global instability that could disrupt governance.
Preparing for the Future
The final pillar focuses on institutional resilience. Leaders will discuss reforming global bodies to better handle future pandemics, cyber-attacks, and financial crises, ensuring the world is not caught off guard again.
