Last week, the World Economic Forum (WEF) conducted its annual forum of government officials, business chieftains, and academia to prioritize and address major global issues. (Why they chose the Swiss Alps in the middle of winter is puzzling.) The draw is mostly economic nerds and investment geeks. This year’s audience happens to come from far and wide.
This year’s theme was “The Spirit of Dialogue.” This theme embodies the Forum’s commitment to openness and cooperation. By encouraging leaders to broaden their perspectives, listen to one another, and challenge their views, WEF aims to build trust and facilitate a better future. These are some takeaways from this year’s WEF.
- Geopolitics and NATO: Tension filled the air as the Greenland prelude overshadowed the WEF. The markets’ initial decline was followed by a rebound as investors breathed a sigh of relief when Trump announced no desire for military intervention. Many European leaders and executives said they found the Trump administration’s approach offensive and rude, even as some said the U.S. president had raised legitimate issues. NATO’s General Secretary, Mark Rutte, recognized Trump’s concerns that Europe has not maintained defensive readiness. The North American–Euro alliance may have been rattled, but European nations, publicly or privately, found the tough love message had some validity. Many European nations have stepped up defense spending over the past year and have committed to further investment.
- Energy: This year’s forum saw renewable energy move from front-and-center to just-another-option. There was a recognition that renewables are not ready for total energy production. Even as a minor share of total global energy production, the consistency, reliability, and scale are not there. Renewables can be an option alongside fossil fuels and nuclear.
- AI and technology: Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other technological advancements will be increasingly important in light of an aging population. This is true for the Far East (especially Japan, South Korea, and China) and most developed countries. All are in or nearing population declines, with the exception of the U.S., due to immigration. AI/robotics will be increasingly important to take over mundane and/or dangerous vocations, take care of population segments, or fulfill daily chores.
As with most WEF meetings, more questions were raised than answered. At the end of the day, the 2026 “Spirit of Dialogue” theme was well represented. Disagreements may have been expressed, and clashes may have been voiced, but the dialogue objective was fulfilled. By encouraging leaders to broaden their perspectives, listen to one another, and challenge their views, the WEF fulfilled its goal of building trust and facilitating a better future.
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