Davos Diaries

Davos Diaries: EPIS at the World Economic Forum

The World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting in Davos is one of the most prominent global conferences, bringing together a distinguished mix of political leaders, business executives, researchers, and civil society representatives from across the world. Held each year in the Swiss Alps, Davos offers a unique space for dialogue at the intersection of politics, economics, and society. More than a venue for networking, the meeting serves as an important forum for exchanging ideas and addressing the major socio-economic and political challenges shaping today’s increasingly interconnected world.

Key themes of the 2026 Annual Meeting

This year’s conference, held from 19 to 23 January, took place against a backdrop of heightened geopolitical uncertainty, economic volatility, and accelerating technological change. As such, discussions focused on how the international community can navigate an increasingly complex global environment while addressing shared challenges. Key themes included economic resilience in the face of global shocks, climate action and sustainable development, the transformative role of artificial intelligence, and the continued necessity of international cooperation. Across panels and high-level discussions, participants reflected on the growing strain on multilateral institutions and explored ways to adapt global governance frameworks to new realities.

EPIS at Davos

EPIS was represented at this year’s Annual Meeting by Theodor Himmel and Aaton Lesinski, who engaged actively with both the formal programme and the broader conference environment. Throughout the week, they attended a wide range of panels, workshops, and roundtable discussions, gaining insights into how different sectors perceive and respond to emerging global risks. In particular, they valued the opportunity to interact with participants from diverse professional, geographic, and disciplinary backgrounds, including policymakers, business leaders, academics, and representatives from international organisations and civil society.

Cross-sector dialogue beyond the panels

One of the defining features of the Davos meeting is its ability to facilitate dialogue across sectors that often operate in parallel rather than in close coordination. Informal conversations outside official sessions proved just as valuable as structured panels, allowing for candid exchanges on pressing issues and practical challenges. These interactions highlighted both the opportunities and tensions inherent in cross-sector cooperation, underscoring the importance of trust, transparency, and mutual understanding when addressing complex global problems.

Reflections and takeaways

For EPIS, participation in the Annual Meeting reinforced the relevance of interdisciplinary approaches to global challenges. The discussions emphasised that economic, political, technological, and social issues are increasingly interconnected, requiring responses that go beyond traditional policy silos. Engaging with such a wide range of perspectives helped situate EPIS’s work within broader international debates and offered valuable reflections on how research and analysis can contribute to more informed and effective decision-making.

Looking ahead

Overall, the conference proved to be a highly positive and enriching experience for both EPIS representatives. The atmosphere in Davos was dynamic, open, and conducive to constructive exchange, encouraging participants to engage critically while remaining solution oriented. The setting fostered not only high-level debate but also personal connections that can support future collaboration and knowledge exchange. Looking ahead, EPIS hopes to continue its engagement with the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in the coming years, as forums such as Davos provide valuable opportunities to exchange ideas, gain fresh perspectives, and remain closely attuned to global debates relevant to EPIS’s research agenda and broader activities.