GCH contributes to the “Spirit of Dialogue” in Davos

The 56th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) starts on 19 January 2026 under the theme “A Spirit of Dialogue”. It is set to explore solutions for a world facing major structural changes.

The spirit of dialogue very much resonates with GCH’s activities connecting local and regional governments to the UN and other international organizations. Therefore, multistakeholder dialogues around key global challenges where public-private and multilevel cooperation is necessary are of particular interest to us. In addressing these challenges, growth, resilience, and innovation are important factors with high relevance at the local level.

GCH Senior Policy Advisor Andras Szorenyi argues in a recently published WEF Agenda post co-authored with Jeff Merrit, Head of WEF Center for Urban Transformation, that cities are proving to be the engines of inclusive growth, innovation and resilience, translating global goals into tangible local solutions. As geopolitical tensions grow and traditional institutions face gridlock, the absence of mayors and local leaders from future-oriented discussions is a missed opportunity. The power of local and regional action should be tapped into in order to contribute to global progress.

We will follow with particular attention the exchanges in Davos on how we can unlock new sources of growth and how we can advance multilevel cooperation in a more fragmented world. From UNSG Antonio Guterres to WHO DG Dr Tedros, from President Donald Trump to BlackRock CEO Laurence Fink, from London Mayor Sadiq Khan to SCC President Corey Gray, leaders at all levels of government and the private sector will most probably elaborate on how to engage with today’s complexity and pursue tomorrow’s opportunities.

At the launch of the “Urban Advantage in the Next Economy Report & Global City Competitiveness Index” developed by SuperSymmetry Institute we will emphasize that existing rules are challenged while new ones are yet to emerge. The economic growth outlook will increasingly depend on the ability of economies to not only confront near-term shocks but also harness innovation to boost long-term productivity and well-being. Moreover, socio-economic policies should ensure that the benefits of urban growth reach more people. Elevating and empowering local leaders makes international action more effective, equitable and people centered. That is why we have supported the UN Forum of Mayors since its creation and will continue to do so at its 6^th edition in October 2026, in Geneva.

In this new era defined by contested norms, shifting alliances, and the erosion of trust, inclusive multilateral cooperation must be strengthened at all levels. All stakeholders must now continuously adapt to a highly complex set of dynamics in a fluid environment where long-held assumptions about power and impact are being challenged in real time. Local and regional governments are emerging actors who can contribute to tackling global challenges with local effects. Better involving them into global policymaking and connecting them to traditionally inter-governmental decision-making processes might yield better results for future generations.

Read the full article “We must empower local leaders to meet global goals – here’s why” here.

To hear more about “Multilateralism & Cities in 2026 – what to expect?”, join our webinar.

Vignette photo: World Economic Forum/Pascal Bitz

Cover image: Davos im Winter. Davos im Schnee (1923), Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons