WEF Chief Borge Brende Highlights Economic Resilience at Davos

The President and CEO of the World Economic Forum (WEF), Borge Brende, expressed optimism about the global economy during a recent interview with CNN. He attributed this sentiment to the resilience of economic growth and the essential role of dialogue in navigating a fragmented world.

Dialogue as a Key to Economic Stability

In the interview, Brende emphasized that dialogue is fundamental to the WEF’s mission. He stated, “Dialogue is a necessity, not a luxury. When more than 65 heads of state and government come together, the goal is to find common ground, even in difficult times.” He acknowledged the challenges leaders face but stressed that they can only facilitate discussions; actual cooperation requires commitment from all parties involved.

Reflecting on the previous year, Brende noted widespread concerns about geopolitical tensions potentially stifling economic growth. “Last year, we were so worried the geopolitics would kill economic growth. The economy is still growing pretty strongly,” he remarked. He believes that stability fosters cooperation among nations, creating opportunities for constructive engagement.

Navigating a New Global Landscape

When asked about the current willingness of leaders to engage in dialogue, Brende candidly responded, “It is.” He recognized the difficulties of operating in a transformed global context, stating, “The old world order is not there anymore, and we can see the contours of a new one.” He underscored the importance of establishing rules and methods for interaction, with dialogue as the starting point.

Brende also addressed criticisms regarding the WEF’s perceived arrogance, highlighting the need for humility in the current environment. “I think we need to be humble in this new context, but we also have to be ambitious,” he explained. He clarified that the WEF does not have a mandate from countries, stating, “We are not the UN. We are a membership-based organization.”

The upcoming 56th Annual Meeting of the WEF is scheduled to take place in Davos from January 19 to January 23, 2026. This event will bring together nearly 3,000 leaders from over 130 countries amidst heightened geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainty. Under the theme “A Spirit of Dialogue,” the meeting aims to provide a neutral platform for leaders from government, business, and civil society to reconnect, rebuild trust, and explore collaborative solutions to global challenges.

Brende noted the participation of significant technology leaders such as Jensen Huang, CEO of Nvidia, and Tim Cook, CEO of Apple, among other senior political figures. Their presence underscores the importance of cross-sector dialogue in addressing today’s pressing issues.

As the WEF prepares for its annual meeting, the emphasis remains on fostering dialogue and cooperation to navigate the complexities of the modern world. Brende’s insights highlight the critical role that economic resilience and open communication play in shaping a better future for all nations.