Davos 2026 Debrief: Outcomes and Takeaways for Local Governments
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Description
Davos 2026 Debrief: Outcomes and Takeaways for Local Governments
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The World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2026 (#WEF26), held in Davos from 19–23 January under the theme “A Spirit of Dialogue,” convened nearly 3,000 leaders from governments, business, civil society and academia. At a time of heightened geopolitical uncertainty, rapid technological change and mounting climate and social pressures, the meeting focused on rebuilding trust, fostering cooperation and translating dialogue into action. This webinar co-hosted by GCH and the World Economic Forum aims to debrief local and regional government (LRG) leaders and practitioners on the most relevant outcomes of #WEF26 and explore how they might translate into place-based policy and action. LRGs play a pivotal role in delivering global agendas on the ground. Trust-based public–private collaboration is a prerequisite for meaningful impact and durable legitimacy at the local level. #WEF26 highlighted the importance of dialogue across geopolitical, sectoral and institutional divides. Some outcomes were particularly relevant for local and regional governments – reinforcing the value of multilevel governance and public-private partnerships in addressing shared risks. Geoeconomic fragmentation underscores the need for local economic resilience, diversification and adaptability. |
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Date: 26 February 2026
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Themes
🤝 Key outcomes: Trust-Based Public–Private Collaboration Driving Local Impact
Trust-based public–private collaboration is a prerequisite for meaningful local impact and durable legitimacy. Complex challenges, whether economic inclusion, climate resilience, or digital public service delivery, require the combined capabilities of government, business, and civil society, working not in parallel, but together.
📈 Yes/Cities: Place-Based Innovation, Productivity and Growth
Cities offer opportunities for place-based innovation that brings together policy, investment, and local ecosystems to achieve tangible outcomes. Cities and regions are recognized as innovation platforms, where digital infrastructure, AI deployment, skills development, regulatory experimentation and public-private collaboration converge.
🏙️ Davos Baukultur Alliance and the Pioneering Places Initiative
The Davos Baukultur Alliance brings together public, private and civil society leaders to strengthen the places people live and work by advancing approaches to planning, financing, building and managing the built environment that create greater measurable value. The initiative demonstrates how design, housing, sustainability, and culture come together to build cities that truly work for everyone.
Speakers
- Jeff Merritt, Head of Centre for Urban Transformation; Member of the Executive Committee, World Economic Forum
- Cristina Gomez Garcia-Reyes, Lead of Urban Innovation, Business Development, World Economic Forum
- Vivian Brady-Phillips, Head, Strategic Initiatives, Urban Transformation, World Economic Forum
Moderated by Andras Szorenyi, Senior Policy Advisor, GCH
Registration
Register here for the event. The webinar will be held in English. Translated captions will be available.
Cover image: World Economic Forum Thibaut Bouvier