World Economic Forum kicks off in Davos

The World Economic Forum (WEF), a Geneva-based think tank and event organizer, has once again convened its flagship annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland. The first gathering took place in 1971 in the alpine ski town of around 10,000 residents, perched at roughly 1,500 meters above sea level, and was hosted by WEF founder Klaus Schwab, bringing together business executives for the inaugural event.

Over the decades, the Davos meeting has evolved into a global platform addressing a wide spectrum of topics, from economic inequality and climate change to technological innovation, international cooperation, and geopolitical tensions.

This year’s forum will feature more than 200 sessions covering diverse issues. Organizers report a record turnout, with nearly 400 top political figures—including over 60 heads of state and government—alongside almost 850 chairs and CEOs from leading multinational companies, underscoring Davos’s continued role as a hub for global dialogue and decision-making.

The main sessions began on Monday, January 19, and the annual meeting will wrap up on January 23.