What is Davos and the World Economic Forum?
Introduction: Why ‘what is Davos’ matters
Understanding what is Davos matters because the annual gathering in Davos, Switzerland, staged by the World Economic Forum (WEF), brings together political, business and civil-society leaders to discuss major global challenges. The meeting is a high-profile platform where issues such as inequality, climate change and the global economy are debated, and where private and public actors meet both in public sessions and in closed-door settings. Coverage of Davos therefore offers insight into priorities and possible cooperation among influential decision-makers.
Main body: Facts, format and recent themes
Where and when
Davos refers to the alpine town in Switzerland that hosts the WEF’s annual meeting each January. The event gathers delegates from across sectors for a programme of public sessions, panels and many private meetings.
Who attends and what is discussed
Davos functions as a platform for decision-makers across the public and private sectors to convene. Delegates include political leaders, corporations, non-governmental organisations and experts who stage debates and workshops on pressing issues. Observers note that alongside public programming there are numerous closed-door and private conversations that shape networking and policy discussions.
Recent focus and the outlook for Davos 2026
Recent meetings have centred on themes such as collaboration in the intelligent age — examining how innovation and digital transformation affect growth, industries and human development — and on advancing climate action and international cooperation. According to McKinsey, delegates of Davos 2026 will explore themes including cooperation in a more contested world, deploying innovation responsibly at scale, unlocking new sources of growth, building prosperity within planetary boundaries, and investing better in people in the age of AI. Partner organisations, including corporate partners, often stage aligned events that reflect shared goals across geographies and institutions.
Conclusion: Significance for readers
For readers, knowing what is Davos helps interpret global policy signals and corporate priorities emerging from the meeting. While public sessions outline broad agendas, closed-door engagement often advances collaboration and deals that influence policy and markets. Watching Davos can therefore offer early indication of cross-sector priorities — from inequality and climate to technological governance — that may shape policy and economic decisions in the year ahead.
