WEF’s Summer Davos 2026 to spotlight innovation, growth, and global economic reset

The World Economic Forum (WEF) will convene the 17th Annual Meeting of the New Champions in Dalian, China, from June 23 to 25, 2026, bringing together more than 1,700 leaders from over 90 countries to explore how innovation can drive growth and resilience in a rapidly changing global economy.

Held under the theme “Innovating at Scale,” the annual gathering, better known as Summer Davos, will serve as a platform for dialogue among government leaders, business executives, investors, academics, and entrepreneurs as economies confront slowing growth, geopolitical uncertainty and technological disruption.

The event comes at a challenging moment for the global economy. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has lowered its global growth forecast to 3.1% for 2026, compared with 3.4% in 2025, citing rising geopolitical tensions and persistent economic fragmentation. Although growth is expected to recover slightly to 3.2% in 2027, concerns over trade barriers, supply-chain shifts and tighter fiscal conditions continue to cloud the outlook, especially for emerging markets.

Against this backdrop, the Forum aims to focus discussions on practical solutions to strengthen competitiveness, unlock investment and accelerate innovation-led growth.

WEF President and Chief Executive Officer Alois Zwinggi said the meeting comes at a critical moment for international cooperation. “The World Economic Forum has always brought leaders together to address major global challenges through dialogue and collaboration,” Zwinggi said. He noted that this year’s discussions will centre on growth, technology, jobs, energy and the evolving global economic order.

Asia is expected to feature prominently in the discussions, with the meeting highlighting the region’s growing role in innovation and economic transformation. Organisers say the event will bring forward perspectives from China and the wider Asian region while connecting entrepreneurs and policymakers with investors shaping the next phase of global growth.

China’s own economic transition will be one of the defining themes of the gathering.

The meeting coincides with the launch of China’s 15th Five-Year Plan (2026–2030), which places emphasis on high-quality development, industrial upgrading and strategic sectors.

Gao Weiqi, Deputy Director-General of the Department of International Cooperation at China’s National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), said the country’s development roadmap is designed to generate fresh momentum for both domestic and global growth.

Chinese officials have also called on the international business community to participate more actively in the country’s modernization efforts and benefit from opportunities created by economic transformation.

Hosted by China, the event is expected to attract more than 90 senior political leaders from 27 countries and regions, alongside senior figures from industries including pharmaceuticals, chemicals, agriculture, manufacturing, energy, finance and technology.

The programme is structured around five major questions that organisers believe will shape the next phase of economic development.

The first focuses on how governments and businesses can sustain prosperity amid changing geo-economic realities. As industrial policy, investment strategies and supply chains become increasingly politicised, leaders are expected to debate how countries can build domestic capabilities without sacrificing openness and international cooperation.

A second area of discussion examines China’s future growth path and its impact on global markets. China’s push toward advanced manufacturing, clean energy, semiconductors and strategic technologies is increasingly influencing regional supply chains and investment decisions.

Technology and productivity will form the third major pillar. Despite record investment in artificial intelligence, biotechnology and quantum computing, many economies continue to struggle with weak productivity gains. Sessions will examine how regulation, skills development and industrial policy can accelerate the adoption of emerging technologies.

Job creation and economic inclusion represent the fourth focus area. With estimates suggesting nearly 40% of global employment could be affected by artificial intelligence, discussions will centre on creating workforce opportunities through education, entrepreneurship and investment in growth sectors such as tourism, digital services and manufacturing.

The final theme addresses the intersection of energy, climate and competitiveness. Delegates are expected to explore how countries can meet rising energy demand while advancing cleaner and more resilient energy systems.

The Forum will livestream more than 50 public sessions, including discussions on the future of work, US-China relations, artificial intelligence, and the Middle East.

New research and insights will also be released during the event, including updates to flagship initiatives such as the Energy Transition Index and the Top 10 Emerging Technologies report.

The 2026 meeting also marks the 26th anniversary of the Forum’s Technology Pioneers community, while introducing new engagement platforms for investors, family businesses and industry leaders as the Forum looks to accelerate partnerships for long-term growth.