The 56th World Economic Forum (WEF Annual Meeting) began today, January 19, 2026, in Davos, Switzerland, and will run through January 23. More than 3,000 participants from over 130 countries, including a high-level Ukrainian delegation, are taking part. The forum is focusing on the global economy, security, technology and peace.
The World Economic Forum 2026 officially opened today in Davos under the overarching theme “A Spirit of Dialogue.” Organizers emphasize the importance of open international dialogue amid growing geopolitical instability, economic fragmentation and rapid technological change.
Around 3,000 global leaders are expected to attend the forum, including roughly 400 political leaders, nearly 65 heads of state and government, as well as about 850 chief executives of the world’s largest companies.
Key topics on the agenda include geopolitics and global security, the world economy and trade, energy, the development of artificial intelligence and digital technologies, climate policy, and sustainable development.
Ukraine’s participation
Ukraine is represented at the forum by a high-level delegation. Kyiv’s agenda includes security issues, protection of energy infrastructure, continued international support, as well as the country’s recovery and the attraction of investment. Ukrainian representatives plan to hold a series of bilateral meetings with delegations from the United States, EU countries and international organizations.
As in previous years, the Ukraine House in Davos is also operating alongside the forum, hosting discussions on a just and sustainable peace, energy, innovation, investment and Ukraine’s post-war reconstruction.
Russia’s participation
Official representatives of the Russian Federation have not been invited to take part in the World Economic Forum, a policy that has remained in place since 2022. At the same time, some Western media have reported possible unofficial contacts involving individual Russian representatives on the sidelines of the forum, though WEF organizers have not confirmed their participation in the official program.
Forum program
The forum will run until January 23 and includes plenary sessions, panel discussions, thematic meetings and bilateral talks. Discussions in Davos are expected to shape approaches to the world’s key challenges in 2026 and outline paths for international cooperation amid ongoing crises and conflicts.