2026 World Economic Forum eyes constructive dialogue in complex global landscape

Source: Xinhua| 2026-01-19 08:59:00|Editor: huaxia

This photo taken on Jan. 18, 2026 shows the logo of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. The 2026 annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) will be held in Davos from Jan. 19 to 23. (Xinhua/Lian Yi)

DAVOS, Switzerland, Jan. 19 (Xinhua) -- The 2026 annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) is set to open on Monday evening in the Swiss Alpine town of Davos, calling for constructive dialogue in a complex global landscape.

A series of publications released by the WEF in the lead-up to the meeting indicated rising risks and downward pressure on the global economy in an increasingly contested and fragmented world.

The latest Chief Economists' Outlook pointed out that while the global economic outlook has improved modestly, uncertainty remains. Factors such as shifting asset valuations, rising debt, geoeconomic realignment and the rapid deployment of artificial intelligence are expected to continue impacting the world economy.

Under the theme "A Spirit of Dialogue," the five-day event has drawn nearly 3,000 leaders and experts worldwide to discuss five pressing global challenges, including enhancing cooperation, unlocking new sources of growth and deploying innovation at scale and responsibly.

In a recent interview with Xinhua, WEF President and CEO Borge Brende underscored the critical role of dialogue in today's world.

"In the World Economic Forum's view, dialogue is not a luxury; it is a necessity," he said. ■

This photo taken on Jan. 18, 2026 shows a view of the town of Davos, in Davos, Switzerland. The 2026 annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) will be held in Davos from Jan. 19 to 23. (Xinhua/Lian Yi)

Participants walk into Davos Kurpark Village prior to the opening of the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Jan. 18, 2026. The 2026 annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) will be held in Davos from Jan. 19 to 23. (Xinhua/Lian Yi)

A participant walks past the logo of the World Economic Forum prior to the opening of its annual meeting, in Davos, Switzerland, Jan. 18, 2026. The 2026 annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) will be held in Davos from Jan. 19 to 23. (Xinhua/Lian Yi)

Participants walk past the logo of the World Economic Forum prior to the opening of its annual meeting, in Davos, Switzerland, Jan. 18, 2026. The 2026 annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) will be held in Davos from Jan. 19 to 23. (Xinhua/Lian Yi)