2 Who participates?
More than 2,800 leaders are expected to attend this year’s gathering. Unlike prior editions, there is no attendance from Russia’s president or China’s president, and the United States is represented at a high level by senior officials. If the Chinese premier joins, Li Qiang would come at a delicate moment, soon after Taiwan’s independence movement gained momentum. The United States is represented at the summit by the secretary of state and the national security advisor, reflecting a broad, high-level participation along with a diverse set of global voices.
Davos Forum gathers under weight of wars and geopolitical tensions
Overall, the organizing body confirms attendance by more than 60 heads of state and government. European participants include leaders from France, Spain, Switzerland, Belgium, Greece, Ireland, the Netherlands, Poland, Hungary, and Serbia, among others. The Ukrainian president is anticipated, with the mode of attendance still to be determined. A notable addition is the potential involvement of other regional leaders depending on evolving circumstances.
Argentine leadership is watching closely as the country’s new president prepares to participate, while other presidents from Korea, Colombia, and a range of mid-sized economies are slated to attend. Prime ministers from several Middle Eastern and Asian nations, along with leaders from Africa and the Middle East, are also expected to participate alongside presidents from across the Americas and Europe. In addition to state leaders, senior figures from international organizations are set to join the discussions.
Key observers include the presidents of major financial and development institutions and senior executives from global corporations. The presence of top officials from international bodies continues to shape the forum’s agenda and its emphasis on global governance, economic policy, and cooperative initiatives.
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3 What about the Spanish presence?
From the government’s plan, the head of government is expected to participate in the early afternoon session during a dedicated assembly. The third vice president and the foreign minister are also positioned to speak in separate discussions. The aim is to guarantee robust representation of the country’s political leadership on the global stage.
The Spanish business community will be represented by notable executives such as the chairman of Banco Santander, the president and CEO of Telefónica, the chairman and CEO of Iberdrola, the chairman of BBVA, the CEO of Repsol, and the chief executives of Naturgy, Ferrovial, and a leading energy firm. These leaders will participate alongside other corporate delegations to discuss regional and global opportunities.
4 What are the main themes?
The forum’s program features numerous roundtables and individual speeches within the broader Davos agenda. Topics cover corporate governance, global economics, geopolitics, technology, human capital, sustainable development goals, energy, food systems, health, climate action, and many related areas. For nearly two decades, pre-summit analyses have included a global risk report drawn from the views of political, economic, and social leaders. An annual inequality study by a prominent NGO is also presented ahead of the summit, highlighting persistent disparities and policy gaps.
These strands set the stage for a rigorous examination of how markets, states, and civil society interact in a rapidly changing world, with emphasis on responsible leadership and inclusive growth.
5 What will they talk about?
The latest Global Risks Report identifies misinformation and extreme climate events as short-term global challenges. The report notes that the spread of false information can undermine democratic processes, especially in election years, and that advances in technology amplify these risks. The analysis warns that misinformation can influence public opinion and mobilize social unrest, sometimes fueling harmful outcomes. Alongside misinformation, the report flags polarization, cyber distrust, armed conflict, economic stagnation, inflation, displacement, recession, and environmental degradation as the central uncertainties for the near term and beyond.
Previous years highlighted inflation, climate-related disasters, and geoeconomic tensions as major risks. The Davos program continues to explore how these threats intersect with policy design, corporate strategy, and social resilience, guiding collaborative responses across sectors and borders.
6 For what?
Participants emphasize that the Davos Forum serves as a platform for discussion and idea exchange, aiming to foster public–private collaboration and cross-border initiatives. It is not a decision-making body, but rather a space where diverse viewpoints can converge to inform policy and business strategy. The forum’s location offers a compact, intensive setting for leaders to meet, share insights, and form connections that may translate into concrete investments and partnerships over time.
Critics describe the summit as a manifestation of high-level networking that sometimes overlooks broader social and environmental costs. Protests and critiques accompany each edition, reflecting ongoing debates about capitalism, climate impact, and inequality. Nevertheless, the event remains a focal point for global conversation, shaping agendas and signaling where international cooperation may accelerate progress.
Sources and attribution: International organizations and major climate and development NGOs provide annual context and background for the forum’s themes and risk assessments. These cited analyses help frame the discussions and offer independent perspectives on the developing global agenda.