A SPIRIT of DiALOGUE
World Economic Forum 2026
A Spirit of Dialogue is the guiding theme of the World Economic Forum (WEF), which will take place from 19 to 23 January 2026 in Davos. Around 2,000 leaders from business, politics, science, and civil society will gather in the Swiss alpine resort to discuss solutions to an increasingly complex world shaped by geopolitical fragmentation and rapid technological change. The Board Journal will be on site, reporting on the debates, trends, and concrete solutions most relevant to executives and entrepreneurs.
The WEF 2026 agenda is structured around five thematic pillars, all focused on strengthening dialogue and cooperation between the public and private sectors.
Pillar 1: How can we work together in a contested world?
Growing geopolitical tensions, technological disruption, and shifting alliances are challenging long-held assumptions about security, sovereignty, and trust. As traditional frameworks erode, new mechanisms for cooperation are emerging.
Public-private partnerships—long a familiar concept—may take on renewed importance. At the same time, cross-sector collaboration and even “coopetition” between competitors are gaining traction, provided antitrust rules are respected. The Board Journal will examine where such new forms of cooperation are taking shape and what they mean for corporate leaders.
Pillar 2: How can we unlock new sources of growth?
Years of social fragmentation and weakened institutions have dampened global growth prospects. Yet innovation, global integration, and generative AI offer significant upside potential.
For executives, this creates a delicate balancing act: efficiency gains through technology often require workforce reductions or redeployment—both of which can encounter resistance. Reskilling, meanwhile, demands time, resources, and management attention. The Board Journal will identify best practices that help companies navigate this tension successfully.
Pillar 3: How can we invest better in people?
According to studies such as The Future of Jobs 2025, one in four jobs worldwide will change by 2030, while around 40% of today’s skills are expected to become obsolete. Technological change, demographic shifts, and the energy transition are key drivers.
Closer collaboration between governments and businesses could help create the jobs of the future—but only if ideas translate into concrete projects. The Board Journal will spotlight practical initiatives and viable models for cross-sector cooperation.
Pillar 4: How can we use innovation responsibly?
Emerging technologies are reshaping business models and boosting productivity. Combining innovations—such as quantum computing, artificial intelligence, and synthetic biology—could accelerate progress, but will also increase energy demand and infrastructure requirements.
At the same time, ethical questions around responsible technology use are becoming more pressing. In Davos, The Board Journal will explore which technological combinations are likely to shape the future—and how companies can reconcile ethical responsibility with economic performance.
Pillar 5: How can we achieve prosperity within planetary boundaries?
The global decline of natural ecosystems poses serious ecological risks. Yet environmental protection also offers substantial economic opportunity. According to WEF analyses, the transition to green business models could unlock up to $10 trillion annually by 2030.
Achieving this potential will require close cooperation between business and government. The Board Journal will examine concrete projects and strategies that combine sustainability with measurable growth.
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