Can We Save the Middle Class? | World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2026

Source: World Economic Forum (video statements)

Globally, the middle class had been growing by about 54 million people every year since 2011, but with the pandemic in 2020 that growth tapered off, while concerns about long-term job security are rising.

How will AI impact middle-class economics and where are economies focused on growth from the middle out despite the odds?

Speakers: Andy Beshear, Stacey Vanek Smith, Salil S. Parekh, Christy Hoffman, Oren Cas

The 56th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum will provide a crucial space to focus on the fundamental principles driving trust, including transparency, consistency and accountability.

This Annual Meeting will welcome over 100 governments, all major international organizations, 1000 Forum’s Partners, as well as civil society leaders, experts, youth representatives, social entrepreneurs, and news outlets.

The World Economic Forum is the International Organization for Public-Private Cooperation. The Forum engages the foremost political, business, cultural and other leaders of society to shape global, regional and industry agendas. We believe that progress happens by bringing together people from all walks of life who have the drive and the influence to make positive change.

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#Davos2026 #WorldEconomicForum #wef26

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4pHMJuWj0iM

Factories that Think | World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2026

Source: World Economic Forum (video statements)

Manufacturers are embedding intelligence at every stage, from algorithmic design and AI agents to closed-loop recycling. The race is on to merge speed, innovation and talent without collapsing under complexity and cost.

As every factory becomes intelligent, what will set the leaders apart?

Speakers: Levent Cakiroglu, Peggy Johnson, Roland Busch, Jamie Heller, Thani Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Mihir Shukla

The 56th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum will provide a crucial space to focus on the fundamental principles driving trust, including transparency, consistency and accountability.

This Annual Meeting will welcome over 100 governments, all major international organizations, 1000 Forum’s Partners, as well as civil society leaders, experts, youth representatives, social entrepreneurs, and news outlets.

The World Economic Forum is the International Organization for Public-Private Cooperation. The Forum engages the foremost political, business, cultural and other leaders of society to shape global, regional and industry agendas. We believe that progress happens by bringing together people from all walks of life who have the drive and the influence to make positive change.

World Economic Forum Website ► http://www.weforum.org/
Facebook ► https://www.facebook.com/worldeconomicforum/
YouTube ► https://www.youtube.com/wef
Instagram ► https://www.instagram.com/worldeconomicforum/
X ► https://twitter.com/wef
LinkedIn ► https://www.linkedin.com/company/world-economic-forum
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Flipboard ► https://flipboard.com/@WEF

#Davos2026 #WorldEconomicForum #wef26

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F8uDLMppM5E

An Honest Conversation about Why We Are Divided | World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2026

Source: World Economic Forum (video statements)

Identity politics, economic inequity and access to misinformation are creating a more polarized environment that is shifting how we perceive those with different views from our own.

Why are we so divided and how can we rebuild trust in others to forge more constructive dialogue and advance as a society?

Speakers: Oleksandra Matviichuk, Oliver Bäte, Scott Galloway

The 56th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum will provide a crucial space to focus on the fundamental principles driving trust, including transparency, consistency and accountability.

This Annual Meeting will welcome over 100 governments, all major international organizations, 1000 Forum’s Partners, as well as civil society leaders, experts, youth representatives, social entrepreneurs, and news outlets.

The World Economic Forum is the International Organization for Public-Private Cooperation. The Forum engages the foremost political, business, cultural and other leaders of society to shape global, regional and industry agendas. We believe that progress happens by bringing together people from all walks of life who have the drive and the influence to make positive change.

World Economic Forum Website ► http://www.weforum.org/
Facebook ► https://www.facebook.com/worldeconomicforum/
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#Davos2026 #WorldEconomicForum #wef26

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-D_ufAPjkfY

Leading Voices: Kristalina Georgieva

Source: World Economic Forum (video statements)

Governments have three levers to grow the economy, says Kristalina Georgieva (@imf) at #WEF26.

The World Economic Forum is the International Organization for Public-Private Cooperation. It provides a global, impartial and not-for-profit platform for meaningful connection between stakeholders to establish trust, and build initiatives for cooperation and progress.

Find out more below:
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LinkedIn ► https://www.linkedin.com/company/world-economic-forum
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#WorldEconomicForum #wef

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/KdKPzoHL6qY

Leading Voices: Elon Musk

Source: World Economic Forum (video statements)

"It’s better for your quality of life to be an optimist who’s wrong, than a pessimist who’s right," says Elon Musk in his final remarks at #WEF26.

The World Economic Forum is the International Organization for Public-Private Cooperation. It provides a global, impartial and not-for-profit platform for meaningful connection between stakeholders to establish trust, and build initiatives for cooperation and progress.

Find out more below:
World Economic Forum Website ► http://www.weforum.org/
YouTube ► https://www.youtube.com/wef
LinkedIn ► https://www.linkedin.com/company/world-economic-forum
Facebook ► https://www.facebook.com/worldeconomicforum/
Instagram ► https://www.instagram.com/worldeconomicforum/ 
X ► https://twitter.com/wef
TikTok ► https://www.tiktok.com/@worldeconomicforum
WhatsApp ► https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaDcHBKGZNCihKxwiD0L
Threads ► https://www.threads.com/@worldeconomicforum
Flipboard ► https://flipboard.com/@WEF

#WorldEconomicForum #wef

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Eyjf0nv6fmA

Denmark, Syria & other topics – Daily Press Briefing (22 January 2026) | United Nations

Source: United Nations (video statements)

Noon Briefing by Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.

Highlights:
Deputy Secretary-General
Syria/Al Hol Camp
Syria/Security Council
Occupied Palestinian Territory
South Sudan
Mozambique
Sudan
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Nigeria
Venezuela
The State of Finance for Nature 2026/Report
Microsoft
Staff Security
Honour Roll
Guest – Today

DEPUTY SECRETARY-GENERAL

The Deputy Secretary-General, Amina J. Mohammed, is in Copenhagen, Denmark, where she delivered a keynote address at the Danish Parliament on "the future of the United Nations in a turbulent world."

In her remarks, she underscored that the UN Charter remains our moral compass and called for a renewed commitment to multilateralism rooted in solidarity, international law, and human dignity. She warned against the erosion of the rules-based international order and urged Member States to protect and modernize the multilateral system, by securing peace, investing in sustainable development, and helping to reset the United Nations to deliver more effectively for people and planet.

While in Copenhagen, the Deputy Secretary-General met with Lars Løkke Rasmussen, Minister for Foreign Affairs.

They discussed Denmark–UN collaboration, including Denmark’s long-standing leadership in development cooperation (and particularly its support for the Resident Coordinator system) as well as its current membership the Security Council. The Deputy Secretary-General also met with Lars Aagaard, Minister for Climate, Energy and Utilities. They discussed priorities on climate action. 

The Deputy Secretary-General also met with representatives from Nordic countries to discuss ongoing UN reforms and shared development priorities.

Tomorrow, she will travel to UNESCO Headquarters in Paris to mark the International Day of Education.

SYRIA/AL HOL CAMP

Turning to the situation in Syria, and in particular to Al Hol camp in Hasakeh. Our colleagues from the UN Refugee Agency and UNICEF tell us that yesterday their teams reached the camp following its takeover by the Syrian Government. Our colleagues tell us that the situation in the camp was tense and volatile, with reports of looting and burning. As a result, it was not possible for the mission to enter the camp. The teams, however, held a constructive discussion with the government.

The Government of Syria has expressed its willingness to provide security and support to UNHCR and humanitarian partners so that humanitarian operations can continue.

We underscore the importance of ensuring that the transfer of ISIL detention facilities presently under Syrian Democratic Forces control to the Syrian government takes place in an orderly manner, in line with international standards.

Full Highlights: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/noon-briefing-highlight?date=2026-01-22

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DRQp4FMUmR4

The Economy – How Do You Measure That? Donuts

Source: International Monetary Fund – IMF (video statements)

Dive into the surprising economics behind a simple donut! In this episode of The Economy – How Do You Measure That?, host Jim Tebrake and speaker Jennifer Ribarsky unpack why buying a donut counts as a service in GDP, while your homemade treat does not. A clear, insightful look at how everyday transactions translate into economic measurement and shape our understanding of the economy.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FNofMqEtMVw

Post-mortem Computed Tomography Potpourri of Unnatural Deaths

Source: US National Institute of Justice (video statements)

In the sixth and final webinar, participants will be introduced to the use of PMCT in the investigation of a variety of unnatural deaths not discussed in previous webinars.  Topics include overdose deaths, select asphyxial mechanisms of death, and sharp force injury.

This webinar was presented by the NIJ Forensic Technology Center of Excellence on May 18, 2021.

(Opinions or points of view expressed represent the speaker and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice. Any product or manufacturer discussed is presented for informational purposes only and do not constitute product approval or endorsement by the U.S. Department of Justice.)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KhP4_ExxgLg

Is Democracy in Trouble?

Source: World Economic Forum (video statements)

With nearly two-thirds of the world’s countries being democracies, 2024 has witnessed an extraordinary exercise of civic participation, with close to 3.7 billion people voting. Despite that, democracies are under increasing pressure from citizens to ensure that governments deliver for all. While efforts to leverage technology and innovation are enhancing transparency, many societies continue to grapple with polarization and institutional fatigue.

As societies navigate these contrasts, how can we safeguard openness and the free exchange of ideas?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8zifV_fsSO0