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Who Will Attend the World Economic Forum While Big Names Stay Away?
As the 2026 World Economic Forum (WEF) prepares to kick off in Davos, Switzerland, notable figures like U.S. President Donald Trump are set to attend, while several high-profile leaders, including Chinese President Xi Jinping and Brazilian President Lula da Silva, have chosen to stay home.
Why Are Major Leaders Skipping Davos?
The absence of several key world leaders represents a significant shift in the political landscape surrounding the annual meeting. Notably, U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and U.S. counterparts from several influential nations have not confirmed their attendance. Danish representatives also opted out due to escalating tensions regarding Greenland, marking the event as a highly polarized gathering.
Davos, which is expecting around 3,000 attendees, will still see representation from important global players including J.P. Morgan's Jamie Dimon, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and Nvidia's Jensen Huang. These leaders are likely to discuss pressing issues such as AI, climate change, and geopolitical tensions.
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What Can We Expect from Trump's Delegation?
President Trump will lead the largest U.S. delegation to Davos yet, which includes key officials such as Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, and adviser Jared Kushner. This marks his first in-person appearance since addressing the forum in 2020. His virtual participation last year was noted for its controversial nature, and this return is expected to draw significant attention.
Trump’s participation comes amid ongoing disputes with European nations over proposed tariffs targeting countries resisting his Greenland acquisition plan. Such developments underscore the charged atmosphere that attendees can expect at this year's forum.
Which Other Leaders Are Not Attending?
Several significant leaders are opting out, raising questions about the collective geopolitical dialogue at the event:
- Chinese President Xi Jinping
- Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi
- Brazilian President Lula da Silva
- U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer (not confirmed)
- Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, who backed out following a tragic train collision in Spain
The absence of these leaders not only reflects their individual country's priorities but may also hint at broader political currents.
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Key Takeaways
- High Attendance Expected: Despite notable absences, Davos anticipates nearly 3,000 attendees, including 400 political leaders.
- Trump's Significant Delegation: President Trump brings a large U.S. delegation, signaling a strong presence and influence at the forum.
- Political Polarization: The lack of attendance from important global leaders, particularly in times of geopolitical strain, showcases divisions that might impact discussions at Davos.
- Engagement of Other Nations: Although some leaders are absent, representation from countries like Ukraine and Indonesia indicates a varied dialogue.
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References
[^1]: "Trump is going to Davos — here are the big names who aren't". CNBC (https://www.cnbc.com/2026/01/19/trump-world-economic-forum-davos-who-isnt-going.html). Published January 19, 2026. Retrieved [Current Date].
Metadata
Keywords: Davos, World Economic Forum, Trump, Xi Jinping, international leaders, geopolitics, tariffs, economic forum, attendance.
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