World Economic Forum Annual Meeting

A high-level global summit held each January in Davos-Klosters, Switzerland, organized by the World Economic Forum. It convenes leaders from business, government, academia, and civil society to shape international, regional, and industry agendas through dia Key facts: Organizer: World Economic Forum (WEF) Location: Davos-Klosters, Switzerland Frequency: Annual, typically January Participants: ~2,500–3,000 global leaders 2026 Theme: “A Spirit of Dialogue” (Jan 19–23, 2026) Origins and purpose Founded in 1971 by economist Klaus Schwab, the meeting began as a management symposium for European executives and evolved into a platform addressing global economic, social, and environmental challenges. It emphasizes “stakeholder capitalism”—the idea that businesses should serve the interests of all society, not only shareholders.