The World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting 2026 opened this week in Davos amid warnings that the world is entering a new era of intensified geopolitical and economic competition, with dialogue emerging as a central pillar for stability and shared progress.
Gathering nearly 3,000 leaders from more than 130 countries, the forum is taking place against a backdrop of slowing global growth, rising geopolitical tensions and rapid technological change. The newly released Global Risks Report 2026 identifies geoeconomic confrontation as the most significant threat this year, followed by interstate conflict, extreme weather, societal polarization and the spread of misinformation. Economic risks are rising faster than any other category, reflecting mounting debt pressures, trade fragmentation and fragile investment flows.
“We are most worried about major escalations of wars. That can kill global growth,” WEF President and CEO Borge Brende said, warning that instability could derail recovery at a time when global cooperation is already under strain. United Nations projections echo these concerns, forecasting global growth of 2.7 percent in 2026, with trade expansion expected to slow sharply.
Under the theme “A Spirit of Dialogue,” the Davos meeting is emphasizing diplomacy and cooperation as essential tools in navigating an increasingly polarized world. “Dialogue is not a luxury in times of uncertainty; it is an urgent necessity,” Brende stressed, noting that meaningful engagement is the starting point for restoring trust and finding collective solutions.
Technology is also at the center of discussions, from artificial intelligence and quantum computing to biotechnology and clean energy. While these innovations promise new growth engines, the WEF cautions that they also carry risks, including job displacement and widening social divides, if not governed responsibly.
Amid the turbulence, China’s economic trajectory has attracted particular attention. Many participants point to the resilience of the world’s second-largest economy and its growing role in frontier technologies, green development and digital transformation. Brende noted that China’s expanding investment in research and innovation positions it as a key driver of future productivity and global growth.
Experts from international organizations and investment circles echoed this view, highlighting China’s contribution to sustainable infrastructure, clean energy and the digital economy, as well as its continued advocacy for multilateral cooperation.
As global leaders debate how to manage risk, revive growth and harness technological change, the message from Davos is clear: in a world marked by fragmentation and competition, renewed commitment to dialogue and multilateralism will be decisive in shaping a more stable and inclusive future.
Source: Xinhua
