WEF Davos 2027 Priorities
Artificial intelligence, the future of jobs, geopolitical tensions, and global economic growth are expected to dominate discussions at the World Economic Forum's (WEF) annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland. The event is scheduled to take place from January 18 to 22, 2027.
The gathering will be held under the theme "Deliberate Conversations on the Future." According to reports, the meeting aims to bring together leaders from governments, businesses, civil society, academia, and media to discuss major global challenges and explore possible solutions.
The 2027 agenda will focus on five interconnected priorities: people, technology, growth, planet, and geoeconomics. These pillars frame the structure for high-level dialogue among the diverse group of attendees expected to converge in the Swiss Alps.
AI's Impact on Labor and Governance
A significant portion of the "people" and "technology" priorities will address the rapid integration of artificial intelligence into the workforce. Key discussion areas include the direct impact of AI on employment, strategies for reskilling workers to adapt to changing market demands, and methods for creating new employment opportunities that did not previously exist.
Organizers emphasize that ensuring economic benefits from technological advancements reach a wider section of society is critical. The technology agenda will specifically examine how humanity can be empowered in the age of AI. This involves analyzing how business and government choices regarding AI development, governance, and deployment play a critical role in shaping equitable outcomes.
Energy Demands and Infrastructure Challenges
Under the "growth" priority, energy and infrastructure will feature prominently due to rising power demand driven by AI computing, increased industrial activity, and broader electrification efforts. Discussions will explore how to turn these substantial requirements into drivers of economic growth rather than merely operational costs.
This focus on infrastructure aligns with the broader goal of fostering dialogue covering investment in people and prosperity within planetary boundaries, a theme that has become increasingly central to the forum's mission.
Geopolitical Shifts and Economic Resilience
The "geoeconomics" priority addresses the complex landscape of international relations. McKinsey & Company stated that geopolitical tensions and changing global alliances are a major focus area, noting that governments are increasingly using trade, investment, and technology policies as tools of competition.
Consequently, discussions will examine ways to improve economic resilience and competitiveness in a world marked by contested norms, shifting alliances, and declining trust. The goal is to develop frameworks that allow economies to withstand external shocks while maintaining growth trajectories.
Climate Solutions Within Planetary Boundaries
The "planet" agenda will focus on advancing climate and nature solutions while ensuring economic progress remains within planetary boundaries. This reflects a growing consensus that environmental sustainability is not separate from economic stability but foundational to it.
This approach builds on the momentum of previous years. In 2026, delegates from 130 countries attended the meeting, including a record 400 top political leaders and more than 800 chief executive officers and chairs of leading companies. The 2026 meeting focused on fostering dialogue covering peace, security, technology, economic growth, investment in people, and prosperity within planetary boundaries.
As the forum moves into 2027, the emphasis remains on deliberate, structured conversations that bridge the gap between policy intent and practical implementation across these five interconnected priorities.