Rapidly integrating into the global landscape, the Republic of Azerbaijan not only hosts a number of prestigious international events but also demonstrates an active stance in global socio-economic processes. In this context, the Davos World Economic Forum holds particular importance among the international platforms in which Azerbaijan participates. Traditionally held every year, the Forum convened its 56th meeting this year, featuring in-depth discussions on key issues of the global economic agenda, panel sessions on various topics, and important messages addressed to the international community.

Azerbaijan first participated in the Davos Forum in 1995, and this tradition has continued ever since. In particular, the regular participation of President Ilham Aliyev since 2007 has further strengthened Azerbaijan’s position and enabled the country to present its achievements in socio-economic development, politics, energy, transport, and other fields to the global audience.

Held on 19-23 January 2026 in Davos, Switzerland, the 56th World Economic Forum brings together world leaders and leading global business figures under the theme “The Spirit of Dialogue - Exchange of Ideas and Understanding Are More Important in a Fragmented and Complex World.”

President Ilham Aliyev is currently in Davos to attend the 56th Forum, and on the second day of the event - 20 January - he is scheduled to speak at the panel titled “Defining Eurasia’s Economic Identity.” Leaders participating in this panel will share their views on the question: “What steps should the region take to maximize the benefits of these expanding routes and strengthen its role within them?” against the backdrop of shifting balances of influence and power in the Caucasus and Central Asia amid competing interests stretching from West to East. It should also be noted that a speech and “special address” by US President Donald Trump is scheduled at the 56th Forum, further increasing the significance of the event.

Overall, more than 3,000 participants from over 130 countries are attending the 56th meeting of the Davos World Economic Forum. The event brings together 400 political leaders, including 65 heads of state and government, more than 850 executives of major companies, as well as prominent leaders from the advanced technology sector. This broad representation once again confirms the Forum’s role as a key global platform for dialogue and cooperation.

Within the framework of the 2026 meeting, five key priorities have been identified in response to global challenges. These priorities include creating new sources of economic growth by expanding trade and investment opportunities in an environment of slowing global growth, assessing the impact of innovation - particularly artificial intelligence - on business and employment, and defining regulatory and ethical frameworks for the use of such technologies. They also encompass exploring new cooperation mechanisms to restore trust at both international and societal levels, promoting the development of human capital, increasing investment in this area to transform labor markets, and strengthening resilience. In addition, ensuring long-term prosperity through renewable, inclusive, circular, and nature-based economic models remains a central focus.

The identified directions demonstrate that the application of innovation, the development of human capital aligned with modern requirements, the strengthening of multilateral cooperation, and the preservation of balance between society and nature remain highly relevant and are regarded as key challenges of the future. These approaches are also reflected in the Forum’s core objectives, which include facilitating dialogue on solutions to global economic and geopolitical problems, expanding cooperation, supporting innovation and technological development, and identifying effective pathways for sustainable and inclusive growth.

Azerbaijan has consistently played an active role at the Davos World Economic Forum, and this tradition continues at the 56th Forum. By contributing to international cooperation and development, Azerbaijan further strengthens its position in the global environment and builds a solid foundation for accelerated progress in the future.