Davos Meeting
Alvaro Martinez, January 7, 2026
The Davos Meeting is the World Economic Forum's annual meeting, held in Davos-Klosters, Switzerland, from January 19 to 23, 2026. Over five days, political leaders, business executives, researchers and civil society representatives come together for a packed program and countless exchanges alongside the public sessions.
What is the Davos Forum?
Founded in 1971, the World Economic Forum is an international not-for-profit foundation known for bringing together a wide range of stakeholders each year to discuss economic, geopolitical, technological and environmental priorities. Davos has, by extension, become the name for this major winter gathering, both a media showcase and a venue for more discreet negotiations.
Theme and focus areas for the 2026 edition
For 2026, the Forum is held under the theme "A Spirit of Dialogue." The organization is focusing on five major challenges: rebuilding spaces for cooperation despite international tensions, reviving engines of growth, investing further in skills and the resilience of societies, deploying innovation responsibly, and reconciling prosperity with planetary boundaries.
Who organizes it and who takes part?
The Forum is run by the World Economic Forum foundation, whose operational leadership is handled by its President and CEO, Børge Brende. Founded by Klaus Schwab, the organization has also seen a recent change in governance, with its founder stepping down from the board chairmanship and an interim chairmanship put in place. Participation in Davos remains by invitation and brings together heads of state, ministers, international organizations, major member companies, NGOs, unions, media and figures from the scientific and cultural world.
Criticism, transparency and public access
Davos is regularly criticized for its exclusivity, the influence of large corporations, and the gap between some public statements and actual practices, particularly on climate issues. The Forum responds with commitments to reduce the event's footprint, and with wider access to content, including a significant number of sessions livestreamed and a digital offering aimed at the general public.
How to follow Davos in 2026
Some of the sessions are accessible online via official broadcasts. On site, a separate format, the Open Forum, offers free admission in Davos and sessions designed for a wider audience, with live broadcasts and replays. It's the simplest option for attending discussions without a WEF accreditation.
Learn more
https://www.weforum.org/meetings/ (official site)