KPMG at the World Economic Forum 2026

World Economic Forum

The Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) took place in Davos, Switzerland, from January 19 to 22, 2026.

This year’s theme, “A Spirit of Dialogue,” focused on the shift in the technological paradigm that is redefining how we live and work while driving new growth opportunities. Key topics included Artificial Intelligence (AI), quantum computing, advanced biotechnology, and energy systems.

In a context of increasing complexity and rapid innovation, the need for a trusted and impartial platform for global dialogue proved more critical than ever.

The Forum emphasized broadening perspectives, encouraging open discussion, and rebuilding trust in geopolitics, the global economy, and society.

With leaders from around the world in attendance, KPMG’s global network and expertise enabled its professionals to foster collaboration, advocate for public-private partnerships, and help develop solutions that support a more sustainable future.

Discover all the updates from this meeting here, where we share perspectives, insights, and highlights on key sector-specific and cross-cutting topics that impact businesses, people, and the planet.

World Economic Forum Highlights

The Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) was marked by messages from some of the key political decision-makers attending the event. The main geopolitical tensions affecting the world, and how we should integrate technological advancements, especially AI, should be integrated into society, featured prominently throughout this week of speeches and discussions. Following the opening of the event on January 19, which set the intended tone for the Forum, Spirit of Dialogue, the main concerns of political and business leaders were clearly brought to the table.

KPMG was an integral part of this gathering, which brought together thousands of people from around the world to focus on technological advancements and trade relationships that affect the global economy. For this reason, our organization took part in multiple panels, sharing valuable insights on digital innovation and AI, always guided by the pursuit of a more sustainable future for the business sector.

Read a summary of the key events and interventions that marked a week that proved decisive for discussions on today’s most important issues.

The President and CEO of the World Economic Forum, Børge Brende, opened the event with a speech focused on economic growth driven by technological evolution. Børge Brende believes that "we are entering a new reality, the contours of which are still being defined", and acknowledges that new technologies may play a leading role in economic growth over the coming decades.
The Executive Director of the International Energy Agency, Fatih Birol, warned that energy security should be regarded as a matter of national security by all countries. He explained that with the growth in the supply of AI and data centers, thermal appliances, and electric vehicles, demand for energy sources will continue to increase substantially and become increasingly important.
Scott Bessent, the United States Secretary of the Treasury, used the opportunity to argue that Greenland is a territory of fundamental importance to the country’s national security strategy. U.S. territorial ambitions are increasing diplomatic tensions with the European Union and Denmark, the country that holds sovereignty over the territory. Bessent called for restraint as talks continue in Davos and urged European countries not to retaliate.
"Geopolitical shocks can and should serve as an opportunity", argued the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen. The European Union representative addressed the situation in Greenland, stating that the sovereignty of this semi-autonomous territory and of Denmark is non-negotiable, and that the imposition of additional tariffs by the United States is a mistake. Ursula von der Leyen noted that if the geopolitical changes we are witnessing today are permanent, a new, independent Europe with a diversified set of partners must be designed. In this context, she referred to the agreement recently signed with the Mercosul countries and announced that a historic trade agreement with India is imminent.
The Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund, Kristalina Georgieva, warned that a new trade war would affect global economic growth. Georgieva said that the economic projections for 2026 are more positive than in the previous year, due to the diminishing impact of U.S. trade tariffs. The IMF chief believes that maintaining trade stability would be beneficial for the global economy and for all countries.
Joining the criticism of the Donald Trump administration in Davos was Emmanuel Macron. The French President warned that Europe could activate the Anti-Coercion Instrument, a mechanism that allows the European Union to impose punitive economic measures, if the United States increases trade tariffs on European countries. Macron added that it makes no sense to threaten allies with tariffs, referring to Donald Trump’s position on Greenland. On the other hand, the French head of state stressed that it is essential for Europe to invest in innovative areas such as AI and clean energy.
The President of the United States gave special emphasis at the World Economic Forum to the geopolitical issues currently affecting the world. Donald Trump reinforced U.S. claims over Greenland, which he described as a territory fundamental to the defense of the Western world and the United States. On the economic front, he stated that Europe needs to improve its strategy regarding energy, trade, immigration, and economic growth. The US President also considers the slowdown of oil exploration in the North Sea to be a mistake.
The Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund, Kristalina Georgieva, revealed that an IMF study predicts that AI will impact 60% of jobs, whether through enhancement, elimination, or transformation. Georgieva reiterated that in advanced economies, one in ten jobs has already been augmented by AI, delivering benefits to those economies.
The Director-General of the World Trade Organization, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, predicts that the disruption caused by trade tariffs and geopolitical tensions will not be fully reversed. The WTO leader believes that the uncertainty of the current global context prevents a return to the previous state of global trade.

With the conclusion of the 2026 World Economic Forum in Davos, KPMG remains committed to fostering dialogue and collaboration on the most pressing global challenges. Through active participation in discussions on geopolitical tensions, technological evolution, and sustainable growth, our professionals have contributed insights that support resilient economies, inclusive innovation, and a shared vision for the future.

We look forward to continuing these conversations and working alongside global and local leaders to turn strategic dialogue into concrete action.