Over 60 Heads of State Gather in Davos 2026 Amid Global Uncertainty

Addis Ababa, January 21, 2026 (ENA)—Nearly 65 heads of state and government are convening this week in the Swiss Alpine resort of Davos for the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) Annual Meeting 2026, as global leaders grapple with one of the most complex geopolitical and economic environments in decades.

The meeting, taking place in Davos–Klosters from 19 to 23 January under the theme “The Spirit of Dialogue,” brings together leaders from G7, G20 and BRICS nations alongside around 850 chief executives and chairs of the world’s largest companies.

A high-level Ethiopian delegation led by Finance Minister Ahmed Shide is participating in the forum. Addressing the session titled “Africa’s Job Engine,” Shide highlighted the transformative potential of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) in driving inclusive growth and creating employment opportunities for Africa’s rapidly expanding youth population.

Discussions at Davos are unfolding against a backdrop of rising geopolitical fragmentation, rapid technological change and growing uncertainty around trade, security and global governance.

“Dialogue is not a luxury in times of uncertainty; it is an urgent necessity,” said World Economic Forum President and CEO Børge Brende.

Several heads of state delivered keynote addresses or participated in public discussions during the opening days of the meeting.

Morocco’s Head of Government Aziz Akhannouch underscored his country’s role as a strategic bridge between Europe, Africa and the Atlantic world. Speaking in a public conversation, he pointed to recent fiscal reforms and what he described as Morocco’s strong economic fundamentals supporting growth and investment.

In his welcoming address, Swiss President Guy Parmelin called for greater international cooperation to tackle global challenges.
“Society, science, economics and politics must work together hand in hand,” he said, warning that fragmented efforts would lead to “partial and imperfect” solutions. Parmelin also thanked countries for their solidarity following the tragedy in Crans-Montana.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the European Union is intensifying efforts to diversify trade partnerships amid ongoing U.S. tariffs and protectionist pressures.
“Europe will always choose the world, and the world is ready to choose Europe,” she said, adding that the bloc must adapt to a “new security architecture,” citing heightened geopolitical tensions, including U.S. rhetoric over Greenland.

Chinese Vice-Premier He Lifeng called for deeper economic cooperation, cautioning that “tariffs and trade wars have no winners.” While acknowledging shortcomings in globalization, he said countries “cannot completely reject it and retreat to self-isolation.” He added that boosting domestic demand would be a top priority for China in 2026.

French President Emmanuel Macron described the current moment as a “profound global shift,” arguing that Europe must defend effective multilateralism in the face of growing global tensions.
“It serves our interests and those of all who refuse to submit to the rule of force,” he said.

In a discussion with Brende, Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani emphasized the need to address the root causes of instability in the Middle East, calling for a reimagined regional security framework.
“The moment has come for the region to come together,” he said.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney delivered a blunt assessment of the international system, arguing that the post-Cold War “rules-based international order” no longer functions as it once did.
“This bargain no longer works,” he said, adding that Canada would pursue a foreign policy that is “both principled and pragmatic.”

In a wide-ranging address, U.S. President Donald Trump touched on trade, tariffs, artificial intelligence, nuclear energy, migration and global health. Addressing tensions with Europe, Trump said the United States would not use force in relation to its interest in Greenland.
“I won’t use force,” he said.

As the Davos meeting continues, leaders are expected to further debate the future of global trade, security, technology governance and economic cooperation in an increasingly fragmented world.