Davos 2026: The World Economic Forum’s 56th Annual Meeting (19-23 January 2026) in Davos, Switzerland, gathers leaders across geographies, industries and generations
under the theme “A Spirit of Dialogue.” The meeting embodies an attitude of openness and cooperation that is core to the Forum’s work. Discussions are centred around five key global challenges: cooperation in a contested world, unlocking new sources of growth, investing in people, deploying innovation responsibly, and building prosperity within planetary boundaries. This year sees a record 400 top political leaders, including close to 65 heads of state and government, nearly 850 of the world’s top CEOs and chairs, and almost 100 leading unicorns and technology pioneers convening for one of the highest-level gatherings in the Annual Meeting’s history. Speaking of which, here’s an exclusive interview of Managing Director and Chief Business Officer of the World Economic Forum, Mirek Dusek, conducted by ET Now, where he spoke about the rapidly changing geopolitical landscape, the breakdown and rebuilding of economic dialogue, and what lies ahead for global growth amid uncertainty, conflict and fragmentation. According to Dusek, the Forum will record almost 3,000 participants overall, with more than 65 heads of state attending, and Donald Trump is also expected to attend the meeting. Addressing the theme, Dusek said dialogue becomes most important during periods of tension. “The World Economic Forum existed through the Cold War and other periods of deep geopolitical and economic strain. At moments of contestation, coming together is not a luxury; it is essential to moving the world forward,” he said, adding that Davos offers focused, high-quality spaces for meaningful engagement. On the growing overlap between geopolitics and geoeconomics, Dusek highlighted the expanding role of governments and industrial policy. “Tools such as tariffs are now being used far more actively. Many of the playbooks that guided business leaders over the past 20 years are no longer fit for purpose,” he said, noting that CEOs must engage more closely with policymakers as geopolitical change and technological transformation now dominate boardroom agendas. With strong participation from India, Dusek called the country central to the rewiring of the global economy. India remains one of the fastest-growing major economies. We are hosting sessions on how it could become the world’s third-largest economy,” he said, pointing to shifting supply chains, evolving trade agreements around data and critical minerals, and rising investment flows into India. On tariffs, Dusek said the situation remains fluid. “It is too early to determine where this trend will ultimately settle,” he said, while citing IMF assessments that show the global economy may be more resilient than expected. On AI, Dusek described it as a “super system” reshaping cooperation between states and companies. He noted emerging ideas such as data-sharing arrangements and “digital embassies” for countries lacking full technology stacks. Finally, on growing misalignment between major blocs, Dusek said, “Our role is to help wherever we can. It begins with engagement, and we hope leaders come together in the true spirit of dialogue.”
