The World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland, has convened nearly 3,000 global leaders from government, business, and civil society. This year’s theme, ‘A Spirit of Dialogue,’ aims to foster collaboration on pressing geopolitical, technological, and societal challenges. The event features a record number of political leaders and top CEOs, highlighting its continued significance as a platform for high-level discussions and deal-making.
Notable Attendees and Absences
This year’s Davos gathering boasts a significant turnout, with close to 3,000 cross-sector leaders from over 130 countries. Among the high-profile attendees are U.S. President Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, J.P. Morgan CEO Jamie Dimon, and Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang. French President Emmanuel Macron, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz are also present. The event is set to host a record 400 political leaders, including nearly 65 heads of state and government, and approximately 850 top CEOs.
However, several prominent figures are notably absent. Chinese President Xi Jinping will not attend, though a substantial Chinese delegation will be present. Leaders from Brazil and India are also not scheduled to give addresses. Danish government representatives have opted out due to ongoing geopolitical disputes.
The Price of Access
Attending Davos is a costly affair, with companies investing significant sums for access and influence. While basic WEF memberships are affordable, corporate packages can range from $75,000 to $758,000 for “strategic partners.” Each delegate also faces a separate badge fee, reportedly up to $35,000 for elite badges. These costs, combined with travel and accommodation in the expensive Swiss Alps, can easily push the total expenditure for a large firm into six figures. Some companies, like Microsoft and McKinsey, are spending up to $1 million to sponsor venues.
Security and Scams
The exclusivity of Davos has also attracted illicit activity. Scammers have been selling fake VIP passes for the USA House, a privately funded venue celebrating American history. USA House has issued warnings, stating they will not honor fraudulent tickets, highlighting that even the elite are not immune to such schemes.
Key Discussion Areas
The agenda for Davos 2026 is centered around “A Spirit of Dialogue,” with key themes including the geopolitical environment, the responsible deployment of artificial intelligence, climate and nature initiatives, new sources of economic growth, and human preparedness for future challenges. Discussions will focus on practical, solutions-oriented pathways to foster resilience, competitiveness, and inclusive growth, while also addressing the human dimensions of transformation and rebuilding prosperity within planetary boundaries.