Davos 2026: Can Dialogue Halt the Slide into Disorder?
DAVOS, Switzerland – The world teeters on a precipice. Escalating conflicts, economic instability, and a breakdown in international cooperation paint a grim picture for 2026. Can the World Economic Forum's (WEF) Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland, scheduled for January 19-23, 2026, offer a path back from the brink? Under the theme "A Spirit of Dialogue," leaders from across the globe will gather to grapple with these complex challenges.
The meeting takes place against a backdrop of what some are calling a "new world disorder". This era is characterized by weakened international rules, competing global powers, and a rise in transactional deal-making, undermining cooperation and exacerbating conflicts. UN Secretary-General António Guterres has warned of a world "brimming with conflict, impunity, inequality and unpredictability," as international cooperation frays.
Davos 2026 aims to address this fragmentation head-on. Discussions will center around five interconnected themes: cooperation in a more contested world, unlocking new sources of growth, investing in people, deploying innovation responsibly, and building prosperity within planetary boundaries. These themes recognize the need for collaboration on multiple levels – between nations, within societies, and towards a sustainable future.
One of the most pressing issues is how to foster cooperation in a world increasingly defined by geopolitical tensions and strained alliances. The rise of protectionism and "friend-shoring" – where economic cooperation mirrors political alliances – threatens to further fragment the global economy. Dialogue will focus on navigating geopolitical risks, economic uncertainties, and building resilience in the face of these challenges.
Finding new sources of inclusive and sustainable growth is another key priority. Years of inflation shocks and uneven recoveries have prompted leaders to rethink traditional models of growth. Discussions will explore how to create prosperity without exceeding planetary boundaries, addressing climate change and nature loss while driving economic and social development. This includes investing in regenerative production systems and fostering collaboration between businesses, governments, and civil society.
Investing in people is also central to the Davos 2026 agenda. As industries evolve and technologies reshape work, leaders will explore how to build resilient workforces, support skills transitions, and improve well-being. This includes addressing demographic shifts and ensuring that human capital remains at the center of economic development.
Artificial intelligence (AI) will be a dominant topic, not as a source of hype, but as a potential risk. Discussions will focus on the responsible deployment of AI and other transformative technologies, such as biotechnology and quantum computing, ensuring they serve humanity and promote well-being. This includes addressing ethical considerations, promoting inclusive design, and establishing appropriate governance frameworks.
Ultimately, Davos 2026 seeks to rebuild trust in institutions, markets, governments, and media. Underlying every panel and discussion is the question of whether global leadership can still persuade citizens and whether legitimacy itself is eroding. By fostering open dialogue, broadening perspectives, and challenging conventional views, the WEF hopes to reignite the "spirit of Davos" – an attitude of openness and cooperation – and chart a course towards a more stable and prosperous future. The success of Davos 2026 in halting the slide into disorder remains to be seen, but the need for dialogue and collaboration has never been more critical.
