GBW 2026 Key Speakers Line-up Welcomes New High-Profile Names

Davos, Switzerland | Global Business Week 2026

The list of keynote speakers and distinguished participants of Global Business Week 2026 in Davos has been strengthened with a new group of high-profile international names, confirming the growing status of GBW as one of the most dynamic global platforms for business diplomacy, entrepreneurship, innovation, education and international cooperation.

Taking place from 9 to 17 July the Global Business Week 2026 will bring together entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, family business owners, corporate leaders, educators, innovators, youth entrepreneurs and national business delegations from more than 40 countries. The event will be held under the theme “Business Diplomacy: Connections That Shape the Future.”

In 2026, the GBW will be held in the unique environment of Davos Congress Centre, Switzerland, the venue globally recognised for hosting the World Economic Forum — a global meeting place associated with international dialogue and the future of business and society.

World Economic Forum: An international non-governmental and lobbying organisation based in Switzerland, known for its annual meeting in Davos where global political and business leaders assemble to discuss major global issues.

GLOBAL BUSINESS WEEK features a strong international line-up of speakers, entrepreneurs, educators and business leaders, including:  

Andrew Azarov (UK),  

Larisa Miller (USA),  

Evan Yang (Republic of China),  

Christina Batruch (Switzerland),  

Vladyslav Rashkovan (USA), 

Abdullah Alsharif (Saudi Arabia),  

Dr Olga Azarova (UK),  

Dr Liudmyla Stanislavenko (Ukraine),  

Arvils Pekuless (Latvia), 

Batyr Ravshanov (Turkmenistan),  

Durga Das (USA-India),  

Elena Vykhrystyuk (Ukraine),  

Adj. Prof. Dr. Ural Akuzum (Turkey), 

Igor Tkachuk (Ukraine), 

Cherry Chang (Republic of China), 

Wendy Silinyana (South Africa),  

Elena Lee (Kazakhstan),  

Elena Chirich (Australia),  

Lyazzat Alshinova (Kazakhstan),  

Narmina Hasanova (Azerbaijan),  

Dr Mohammad Al Sardari (Iraq),  

Watceilia Varso (Australia),  

Jamilya Kerimova (Turkmenistan),  

Dinora Saitova (Kazakhstan),  

Tatiana Markova (Germany),  

Paul Goggin (UK),  

Werner Schmitt (Switzerland), 

Viktoriya Trotska (USA), 

Nazzara Ergasheva (Kyrgyzstan), 

Dr Irene Khajalia (Georgia), S

vitlana Yashchenok (Austria), 

Dr Michael Gabrial (Egypt), 

Kivanc Gorkem Uclertopragi (Turkey), 

Irina Nikolenko (Poland), 

Irina Selevestru (Moldova), 

Stefania Didenko (Ukraine)б

and many other distinguished experts.

Historical Symbolism and Legacy

The opening of the Forum will carry special historical symbolism. It will be opened by Christina Batruch, daughter of Bohdan Hawrylyshyn, co-founder and first Director of the World Economic Forum. The year 2026 marks the 100th anniversary of Bohdan Hawrylyshyn’s birth, making this opening not only a business moment, but also a tribute to a legacy of global dialogue, international leadership and responsible economic thinking.

Global Business Week 2026 is designed as an 8-in-1 global business experience, including the Davos World Business Forum, Startup World Cup Championship, Global Education Forum, World Woman Forum, Global Country Day & Parade of Nations, TOP 100 WORLD CHANGERS Award Ceremony & Gala Dinner, international networking, and a strategic family business retreat after the forums.

Family business: A commercial enterprise in which decision-making is influenced by multiple generations of a family, related by blood or marriage, who are closely identified with the firm through leadership or ownership.

The growing speaker line-up reflects the core mission of GBW: to create a living ecosystem where business leaders, policymakers, investors, educators, innovators and next-generation entrepreneurs can meet, build trust, open markets, exchange ideas and create practical international partnerships.

In today’s world, business diplomacy is becoming more than a diplomatic concept. It is a practical leadership skill. Against the backdrop of geopolitical fragmentation, trade restructuring, technological competition and global uncertainty, platforms such as GBW are becoming essential spaces where entrepreneurs and institutions can create bridges between countries, markets and cultures.

Business diplomacy: The practice of managing relationships and negotiations between corporate entities and foreign governments or international actors to influence policy, resolve conflicts, and foster a stable global commercial environment.

Empowering the Next Generation and Women Leaders

A special focus of the 2026 programme will be placed on young entrepreneurs. The Startup World Cup Championship for Young Entrepreneurs will showcase projects from children aged 7–17 and young people aged 18–35, creating a unique intergenerational platform where experienced business leaders meet the next generation of founders.

Women’s leadership will also play a central role. The World Woman Forum will gather active women leaders from around the world and host the TOP 100 LEADERS YOU MUST KNOW Award Ceremony, highlighting women who are shaping the future through business, diplomacy, innovation, education and social impact.

“Global Business Week is not simply an event. It is a continuously developing ecosystem for business diplomacy, trade relations and international partnerships,” said Andrew Azarov, President of Global Business Week.

With its expanding list of high-profile speakers and participants, Global Business Week 2026 in Davos is becoming a powerful international meeting point for those who are not waiting for the future — but actively shaping it.

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