Elena Li Presents a New Vision for Economic Development at Global Business Week 2026 Davos

Davos, Switzerland | BIGBOSS 2026 World Business Forum 

At the Global Business Week Davos, Elena Li presented a forward-looking vision of sustainable economic development based on the integration of industry, innovation, education, entrepreneurship, and international cooperation.

In her presentation, "Sustainable Economic Organization for All Countries of the World," she emphasized that long-term prosperity cannot be achieved through economic growth alone. Sustainable development requires a balanced ecosystem where advanced manufacturing, technological innovation, quality education, responsible leadership, and global partnerships work together to create lasting value for society.

Elena Li introduced several strategic initiatives designed to support this vision, including the international expansion of Dolce-Pharm, the development of the Alatau Innovation Health Park (AIHP)—an ecosystem uniting healthcare, science, artificial intelligence, industry, and investment—and the growth of the Alliance for Innovative and Industrial Development (AIID), which connects governments, businesses, universities, and international organizations.

A central focus of her presentation was the International Academy of Business Administration (IABA), established to educate a new generation of entrepreneurs, executives, and organizational leaders. The Academy provides practical executive education in strategic management, business scaling, leadership, and operational excellence, preparing professionals to lead sustainable businesses in a rapidly changing global economy.

Elena Li also invited international investors, corporations, universities, development institutions, and government organizations to join these initiatives through strategic partnerships, investment, and educational collaboration.

Closing her presentation, she delivered a powerful message:

"The economy of the future must serve people. It must create opportunities, strengthen education, encourage innovation, and build trust among nations. By bringing together entrepreneurs, governments, scientists, investors, and educators, we can build a sustainable global economic ecosystem where the success of every nation contributes to the prosperity of the world. Let us build that future together."

Her presentation highlighted an important conclusion of the Global Education Forum: the strongest economies of the future will be those that invest not only in technology and industry, but also in education, leadership, innovation, and international cooperation.

Ira Gira: Building Expertise, Influence, and Lasting Impact

Why Knowledge Is the Foundation of Leadership in the Modern World

In today's rapidly changing world, every professional is encouraged to speak up, share ideas, and become a leader. Yet the ability to speak is not enough. True influence is not created by the loudest voice in the room, but by the most informed one.

At the Global Business Week Davos 2026, one presentation challenged participants to rethink what it truly means to lead. Titled "Find Your Voice," the session explored how individuals can transform professional expertise into meaningful influence that shapes organizations, industries, and society.

The presentation was built around two simple but powerful principles:

• Develop deep subject-matter expertise in a field that reflects both professional relevance and personal conviction.

• Use that expertise to build influence, create meaningful impact, and ensure your perspective contributes to important decisions.

These principles resonate across every profession and every stage of a career.

Every Voice Needs a Foundation

The inspiration behind "Find Your Voice" comes from the Hindi word "Gira," meaning "voice."

The message is universal.

Every individual deserves to have a voice.

But having a voice alone is not enough.

The real challenge is developing the confidence, knowledge, and credibility necessary for that voice to influence others.

In today's knowledge economy, credibility is earned through expertise.

People listen not simply because someone speaks with confidence, but because they recognize genuine competence. Influence begins with understanding.

For the first time in African history! 12-Year-Old South African MiniBoss Student Makes History as Startup World Cup Champion in Switzerland

Davos, Switzerland – South Africa is celebrating a historic achievement after 12-year-old Lubanzi Dube, a MiniBoss Business School Johannesburg student and founder of SolEase, was crowned in the SIFE MiniBoss League at the Startup World Cup Championship, held during Global Business Week in Davos, Switzerland.

Lubanzi's victory marks a significant milestone for South African youth entrepreneurship, with Team South Africa becoming the first South African team to win the Startup World Cup Championship in the SIFE MiniBoss League. Competing against outstanding young entrepreneurs from countries around the world, Lubanzi impressed the international judging panel with SolEase—an innovative business developing orthotic insoles and supportive footwear for people living with flat feet.

Inspired by his own personal experience, Lubanzi transformed a challenge into an entrepreneurial opportunity, demonstrating how innovation often begins by solving problems close to home.

His success is a testament to the power of purpose-driven entrepreneurship. Rather than simply creating a product, Lubanzi built a business focused on improving lives while addressing a growing healthcare need through practical, accessible innovation.

Developed through MiniBoss Business School Johannesburg, Lubanzi has spent the past 5 months learning entrepreneurship, leadership and innovation through hands-on business education lead by Wendy Silinyana. The programme equips young people with the knowledge and practical experience to identify opportunities, build sustainable businesses and confidently compete on international platforms.

The championship victory reflects not only Lubanzi's dedication and resilience, but also the growing capability of South Africa's young entrepreneurs to compete alongside the very best in the world.

"This achievement demonstrates what becomes possible when young people are trusted with real opportunities to innovate and lead," said Wendy Silinyana, Director of MiniBoss Business School Johannesburg. "Lubanzi has shown that age is not a limitation to creating meaningful solutions with global relevance. His success is an inspiration to young innovators across South Africa and the African continent."

As SolEase continues its journey, the international recognition gained through the Startup World Cup Championship is expected to open new opportunities for collaboration, market expansion and future growth.

Lubanzi Dube's remarkable achievement is more than a personal victory—it is a proud moment for South Africa and a powerful reminder that the country's next generation of entrepreneurs is already shaping the future through innovation, courage and determination.

From Johannesburg to Davos, Lubanzi Dube has shown the world that South African innovation knows no age limits, and that the future of entrepreneurship is already here.

Cherry Chang: Every great education begins with seeing

True education begins by recognizing and drawing out the unique potential within every individual.

The Chinese concept of education combines two essential dimensions: Teaching (providing direction) and Nurturing (supporting growth). Both are necessary for genuine education.

Better thinking leads to better decisions, stronger relationships, and healthier communities.
Great educators are not those who know the most, but those who see the most.

My presentation explored a simple yet profound question: What is education? Rather than beginning with educational systems or teaching methods, I invited the audience to reconsider the meaning of the word itself.

The English word Education comes from the Latin word Educere, which means "to lead out." This reminds us that education is not merely about transferring knowledge into someone's mind. Instead, it is about discovering, developing, and bringing forth the unique potential that already exists within every individual.

I also explored the Chinese understanding of education through the two characters 教 (to teach) and 育 (to nurture). Teaching provides direction and guidance, while nurturing creates the environment in which people can naturally grow. Meaningful education requires both.

From this perspective, education begins with the way we think. Better thinking leads to better decisions; better decisions build stronger relationships; and stronger relationships create healthier communities. In this way, education extends far beyond the classroom and becomes a force that shapes society.

During the presentation, I invited participants to reflect on someone who first recognized something special in them and inspired them to learn. This simple exercise reminded us that the people who influence us most are often those who truly see our potential before they attempt to teach us.

Ultimately, I believe that education is not about changing people into someone else. It is about helping each person discover the best within themselves.

The greatest educators are not those who know the most—they are those who see the most.

Every person carries possibilities waiting to be discovered. May we learn to see one another with greater understanding, guide with wisdom, nurture with care, and become artists of education.
Every great education begins with seeing.

Arvils Pekuless: Reimagining Education for the 21st Century by VisLatvijas Vidusskola, Latvia

GLOBAL EDUCATION FORUM 2026

DAVOS, SWITZERLAND — Speaking on the world’s leading diplomatic stage during Global Business Week Davos 2026, Arvils Pekuless, Founder of VisLatvijas Secondary school, issued a bold call to action for global leaders to fundamentally restructure the global approach to education and future leadership.

In his keynote address, "Future-Proofing Society: Cultivating the Leaders of 2026 and Beyond," Pekuless addressed the critical friction between outdated institutional systems and the rapid technological and economic shifts of the modern world.

Bridging the Educational Paradox

Pekuless highlighted a fundamental flaw in traditional schooling, describing an industry trapped in systemic inertia:

"We are attempting to prepare 21st-century youth using 20th-century mindsets in an environment structured around 18th-century Industrial Revolution demands," stated Arvils Pekuless during his address at the Davos Congress Centre. "This is the ultimate paradox: while the world outside moves at supersonic speed, our traditional educational systems continue at a horse-and-carriage pace."

To overcome this, Pekuless outlined a proven, alternative framework implemented in Latvia at VisLatvijas Secondary school. The school’s hybrid model merges high-quality digital learning, live interactive sessions, and physical community days, serving Grades 1–12 without geographical restrictions. By replacing rigid compliance with student agency, the model empowers learners with total ownership over their time and self-development.

A Call for Public-Private Synergy

Beyond classroom methodology, Pekuless challenged policymakers to rethink the relationship between public infrastructure and private educational innovation. Rather than viewing non-governmental schools as competitors, Pekuless advocated for strategic Public-Private Synergy.

"The public sector provides essential scale and stability, but its structural limits make it inherently slow to adapt," Pekuless explained. "Private educational teams function as the R&D hubs of education. By recognizing private innovators as government 'Innovation Labs,' nation-states can pilot, refine, and scale dynamic breakthroughs to fill the global innovation gap."

Proving the Model at Scale

The validity of this approach is backed by real-world growth. VisLatvijas Secondary school has developed a thriving ecosystem of over 1,000 families who have transitioned away from conventional schooling constraints. The model prioritizes future skills—including emotional intelligence, digital tools, and time management—proving that modern, network-driven education fosters resilience, belonging, and real-world competency.

Pekuless concluded his address with a message centered on systemic trust: "We cannot future-proof society if we keep playing it safe by historical rules. In Latvia, we say 'Uzticēšanās ir drosme'—Trust is courage. When school leaders dare to lead and nations dare to trust them, we create the exact environment where the next global leaders are born."

About VisLatvijas Secondary school: VisLatvijas Secondary school is a pioneering hybrid educational institution based in Latvia. Designed for Grades 1–12, it removes geographical barriers to elite education by integrating agile learning technologies, live digital instruction, and strong community networking to foster agency, responsibility, and leadership in the next generation.

Dr Ludmyla Stanislavenko: Innovations in Mental Health Education and Human Recovery for Ukraine

How Education, Community, and Cultural Identity Are Shaping a New Global Model of Resilience

Speaker: Ludmyla Stanislavenko
President of the International Club of Successful Women – World Woman Club, Co-founder of the International Mental Health Association, Founder of the World Day of the Ukrainian Kerchief
Doctor of Philosophy

Humanity Beyond Statistics

When the world speaks about Ukraine today, conversations often focus on war, geopolitics, economic indicators, and military developments. Yet behind every statistic stands a human life, a family, a child, a caregiver, or a veteran whose future has been forever transformed.

The greatest challenge facing Ukraine is not only rebuilding cities and infrastructure. It is rebuilding people.

The story of Ukraine is ultimately the story of human resilience—the determination to preserve dignity, hope, and the ability to dream even in the darkest moments.

This was the central message presented at the Global Education Forum within Global Business Week Davos 2026: the future of recovery begins not with concrete and steel, but with the restoration of the human spirit.