By Mucahithan Avcioglu
ISTANBUL (AA) - The World Economic Forum opened its 56th annual meeting Monday in Davos, Switzerland, with initial sessions focusing on the global economy, technological transformation, artificial intelligence and sustainability amid heightened geopolitical and geo-economic risks.
Held under the theme “A Spirit of Dialogue,” the summit runs through Jan. 23 and is expected to draw nearly 3,000 participants from 130 countries.
About 400 high-level officials and political leaders are anticipated, including 65 heads of state and government, 55 ministers of economy and finance, 33 foreign ministers, 34 ministers of trade and industry, and 11 central bank governors.
Political leaders and senior business executives are gathering for sessions aimed at fostering dialogue on the world’s most pressing challenges and translating discussions into tangible impact.
Organizers said the forum is taking place at a time of increased global uncertainty, with participants expected to address complex issues ranging from economic stability and technological change to artificial intelligence and long-term sustainability.
Key attendees are expected to include US President Donald Trump, Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa, Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and Argentinian President Javier Milei, among others.
Trump is scheduled to deliver a speech on the afternoon of Jan. 21 and is expected to be accompanied by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer.