Davos, Switzerland wakes up to first day of World Economic Forum 2026

The Swiss town of Davos woke up to the first day of the World Economic Forum (WEF) on Monday (January 19), as steady flow of attendees poured into halls and meeting rooms.

Vitalii Yalahuzian/Reuters

19 January 2026 at 08:50:58

Davos, Switzerland wakes up to first day of World Economic Forum 2026

A view of a logo at the Davos Congress Center ahead of the World Economic Forum (WEF), in the ski resort of Davos, Switzerland, January 18, 2026.

Denis Balibouse/Reuters

The Swiss town of Davos woke up to the first day of the World Economic Forum (WEF) on Monday (January 19), as steady flow of attendees poured into halls and meeting rooms.

The WEF said that over 3,000 delegates from more than 130 countries will attend, including 64 heads of state and government, particularly from emerging economies.

Dubbing its 56th edition "A Spirit of Dialogue," the WEF's leaders say that given the current uncertainty, gathering together to map out a way forward in business and politics is crucial.

But U.S. President Donald Trump's recent Greenland takeover threats, Ukraine peace talks and looming tariffs could disrupt the agenda.

-Production: Vitalii Yalahuzian/Reuters