The annual Davos summit, a gathering of global leaders, policymakers, and business elites, has long been the subject of scrutiny and debate. As the world grapples with widening inequality, the question arises: can this exclusive event truly address the concerns of the masses?
The 2026 edition of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, promises to be a crucial test for the event’s ability to adapt to the changing times. With growing public scepticism towards the perceived elitism of the gathering, the organisers face a daunting challenge: to make the forum more inclusive and responsive to the needs of the global population.
One of the key criticisms levelled against Davos is its perceived disconnect from the lived experiences of the average person. The lavish setting, the private jets, and the closed-door discussions have fuelled the perception that the forum is a playground for the privileged few, disconnected from the realities faced by the majority.
“Davos has long been seen as a bastion of the global elite, where the rich and powerful gather to discuss the world’s problems while the rest of us struggle to make ends meet,” says Fiona Katauka, a renowned political cartoonist. “If the WEF truly wants to be relevant, it needs to find a way to bring the voices of the common people into the conversation.”
To address this challenge, the organisers of Davos 2026 have promised a renewed focus on inclusivity and diversity. “We recognise that the forum has been perceived as exclusive in the past,” says Klaus Schwab, the executive chairman of the WEF. “This year, we are making a concerted effort to ensure that a wider range of perspectives are represented, including those from grassroots organisations, civil society, and underrepresented communities.”
One of the initiatives being implemented is the expansion of the “Davos Dialogues,” a series of public discussions and workshops designed to engage with local communities. Additionally, the organisers have pledged to increase the participation of young people, women, and representatives from the Global South in the main conference proceedings.
However, sceptics remain unconvinced that these measures will be enough to truly transform the nature of the Davos summit. “Tinkering around the edges won’t cut it,” says Fiona Katauka. “The WEF needs to fundamentally rethink its approach and find ways to empower the voices of the marginalized and the disenfranchised.”
As the world grapples with the fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic, the climate crisis, and rising social unrest, the pressure on the Davos forum to deliver meaningful change has never been greater. The success or failure of the 2026 edition will be closely watched, as the world waits to see whether the WEF can truly become a platform for inclusive, sustainable, and equitable global cooperation.
