Important role of Davos in the fragmented world: WEF co-head said – Solution will emerge only through true spirit of dialogue…

New Delhi. André Hoffmann, interim co-head of the World Economic Forum (WEF), said the world clearly needs a space where issues can be discussed in the true spirit of dialogue and that in a fragmented world, Davos’ role is more important than ever. Andre Hoffman has said this amid preparations to host leaders from around the world in Davos next month. The ski resort town of Davos, Switzerland, will host the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum from 19 to 24 January 2026. More than 3,000 global leaders, including about 60 heads of state and government, will participate in it.

The theme of the 2026 annual meeting will be “Spirit of Dialogue”. Hoffman said some of the key areas of discussion at the meeting will include development, geopolitics, innovation, people and jobs and planet. “These issues reflect the interconnected challenges facing the world today and the need for strong public-private collaboration,” he said.

“The record number of heads of state and participants attending this year highlights the continued need for a credible and secure platform for dialogue,” Hoffman said. That too in an increasingly fragmented world…” Speaking to PTI ahead of the meeting, Hoffman, chairman of Swiss pharmaceutical company Roche, said the world clearly needs a space where issues can be discussed in the true spirit of dialogue.

He said, “For more than five decades, Davos has emerged as a well-established, credible and impartial forum where leaders from different sectors, ideologies and different generations can come together.” Hoffman said that WEF wants the 2026 annual meeting to bring together business leaders, politicians, civil society, academics and youth and create a similar platform.

“The purpose of Davos is not to impose solutions but to enable safe, honest and effective dialogue that helps rebuild trust and foster cooperation,” he said. In a fragmented world, this role is more important than ever.”

Asked about President Donald Trump attending in person this time, Hoffman said he had seen some media reports indicating that the White House has indicated President Trump’s intention to attend this year’s annual meeting with a delegation of secretaries of state.

He said, “The World Economic Forum will warmly welcome it.” Trump had addressed this forum online in 2025. On the question of continuing the tough stance taken by WEF against Russia and President Putin since the beginning of the Ukraine war, he said that he sees no reason to change his position at this time.

“Russia’s invasion of Ukraine violated international law and the UN Charter and is still causing enormous suffering to the Ukrainian people,” he said. The Forum has since fully complied with international sanctions, resulting in no participation by Russian delegates at our events.”

Asked about the role the World Health Organization (WEF) could play in ending the war, he said Davos is not a place to resolve conflicts, but rather to discuss possible paths toward resolution. Apart from this, on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its impact, Hoffman said that the purpose of technology is to promote innovation and progress but we also know that powerful tools can also be misused.

“Artificial intelligence is clearly a double-edged sword,” he said. This opens up unprecedented opportunities, from more efficient healthcare systems to sustainable business models. It also accelerates the spread of misinformation and can undermine public trust.” The interim co-head of the World Economic Forum said the discussions in Davos will not only focus on technology opportunities but will also emphasize the urgent need for effective adoption of AI. “Climate and innovation are among our key priorities,” Hoffmann said of the special focus on climate at Davos. We must ensure that progress respects the limits of the planet. Sustainable prosperity must be achieved without harming the planet.”