DAVOS is a resort town in eastern Switzerland where the World Economic Forum meets annually.
The reasons behind the location and host country’s suitability are tied to historical, logistical and symbolic ideals of neutrality and collaboration.
Where is Davos?
Davos sits in the Graubünden canton, nestled in the Landwasser Valley amid the Rhaetian Alps – around 1,560m above sea level.
The town comprises two main parts along the Landwasser River – Davos-Platz and Davos-Dorf.
Surrounded by mountains and forests, it serves as a premier ski resort and winter sports destination, boasting Europe’s largest natural ice rink.
The scenic northeastern Swiss spot also attracts hikers and bikers in the summer.
It is just over two hours from Zurich by train, and less than an hour’s drive to Lichtenstein.
In 2026, the World Economic Forum (WEF) is being held in Davos between January 19 and 23.
Why is the World Economic Forum held in Switzerland?
The WEF, founded as a non-profit in 1971 by Klaus Schwab, selected Davos for its inaugural 1971 European Management Symposium (the event was renamed in 1987) due to the town’s isolation.
As a ski resort, it provides a retreat-like atmosphere, allowing more relaxed, candid discussions among leaders away from their daily duties and distractions.
Switzerland’s tradition of political neutrality, impartiality and expertise in hosting international diplomacy – exemplified by Geneva’s global institutions – makes it neutral ground for cooperation on global issues.
Business and political leaders from around the globe have headed to the small Swiss village to discuss the future of the global economy for the past 55 years.
The collective mission statement of the WEF is to “improve the state of the world”.
This year’s meeting is the 56th edition of the WEF, and the first without founder Schwab as chairman after he resigned in April 2025.
What’s the theme of this year’s World Economic Forum?
This year’s theme is “A Spirit of Dialogue”.
The idea is to promote openness amid geopolitical shifts, technological change and societal fragmentation.
Dialogue is not a luxury in times of uncertainty – it is an urgent necessity
WEF President and CEO Borge Brende
Discussions are centred on five key challenges:
- How can we cooperate in a more contested world?
- How can we unlock new sources of growth?
- How can we better invest in people?
- How can we deploy innovation at scale and responsibly?
- How can we build prosperity within planetary boundaries?
WEF President and CEO Borge Brende said: “Dialogue is not a luxury in times of uncertainty – it is an urgent necessity.
“At a critical juncture for international cooperation – marked by profound geoeconomic and technological transformation – this year’s Annual Meeting will be one of our most consequential.
“With historic levels of participation, it will provide a space for an unparalleled mix of global leaders and innovators to work through and look beyond divisions, gain insight into a fast-shifting global landscape, and advance solutions to today’s and tomorrow’s biggest and most pressing challenges.”
While WEF managing director Saadia Zahidi said: “In a global economy shaped by technology, geoeconomics, and demographics, the defining challenge will be whether opportunity is broadly shared or if growth remains sluggish and uneven.
“The meeting will connect leaders to discuss how to unlock growth, jobs and economic transformation that translate into progress for communities everywhere.”
Who is attending the World Economic Forum?
Nearly 3,000 leaders from over 130 countries are attending, including a record 400 government figures and 65 heads of state, including the following:
- Donald Trump – President of the United States of America
- Mark Carney – Prime Minister of Canada
- Emmanuel Macron – President of France
- Volodymyr Zelensky – President of Ukraine
- Friedrich Merz – Federal Chancellor of Germany
- Ursula von der Leyen – President of the European Commission
- He Lifeng – Vice-Premier of the People’s Republic of China
- Javier Milei – President of Argentina
- Prabowo Subianto – President of Indonesia
- Pedro Sánchez – Prime Minister of Spain
- Guy Parmelin – President of the Swiss Confederation 2026
- Vahagn Khachaturyan – President of the Republic of Armenia
- Ilham Aliyev – President of the Republic of Azerbaijan
- Bart De Wever – Prime Minister of Belgium
- Gustavo Petro – President of Colombia
- Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo – President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Daniel Noboa Azín – President of Ecuador
- Alexander Stubb – President of Finland
