Global Business Week 2026 in Davos: a New Era of International Cooperation

Global Business Week 2026 in Davos

Davos, Switzerland | July 9–17, 2026

The conclusion of Global Business Week 2026 marked far more than the successful completion of another international business event. It demonstrated how entrepreneurship is evolving into one of the world's most influential diplomatic forces—bringing together leaders, innovators, educators, investors, and entrepreneurs from more than 40 countries to accelerate global cooperation through business.

At a time when geopolitical uncertainty, technological disruption, and economic transformation are reshaping the international landscape, Global Business Week has established itself as a platform where practical solutions are exchanged, strategic partnerships are formed, and the future of global entrepreneurship is actively designed.

A Week of Global Leadership

Throughout nine intensive days, hundreds of entrepreneurs, investors, educators, startup founders, corporate executives, innovators, government representatives, and business leaders gathered in Davos to participate in one of the most comprehensive international business programmes of the year.

Global Business Week united multiple world-class events under one global platform, including:

• World Business Forum
• Startup World Cup Championship
• World Woman Forum
• Global Education Forum
• Global Country Night & Parade of Nations
• TOP-100 World Changers Awards
• Family Business Camp
• Business Matching & International Partnership Sessions

Each event addressed a different dimension of modern entrepreneurship while contributing to one common objective: strengthening international cooperation through innovation, education, leadership, and business diplomacy.

Twenty-Seven Industries. One Global Conversation.

One of the defining characteristics of Global Business Week 2026 was the extraordinary diversity of industries represented.

Entrepreneurs presented innovative business models, breakthrough technologies, and practical solutions across 27 different sectors, including:

• Artificial Intelligence
• Information Technology
• Robotics and Automation
• Manufacturing
• Industrial Engineering
• Retail and Consumer Goods
• Food Production
• Greenhouse Agriculture
• Biotechnology
• Healthcare
• Education
• EdTech
• Family Business
• Franchising
• Finance and Investment
• Construction
• Real Estate
• Tourism and Hospitality
• Creative Industries
• Media
• Marketing
• Sustainable Development
• Circular Economy
• Logistics
• International Trade
• Professional Services
• Social Entrepreneurship

Rather than discussing innovation as a theoretical concept, participants demonstrated innovations already being implemented across the world—solutions creating measurable economic value and improving everyday life in communities on every continent.

Entrepreneurs as Global Ambassadors

One of the most important conclusions emerging from Global Business Week 2026 is that entrepreneurs today play a role extending far beyond business.

They are among the first to identify new technologies, adapt to economic shifts, create employment, introduce innovation, and build bridges between nations.

The participants of Global Business Week represent some of the most influential entrepreneurial communities in their respective countries. Many are founders, investors, educators, franchise developers, manufacturers, technology pioneers, and industry leaders whose decisions directly affect thousands—and in many cases millions—of people.

This makes entrepreneurship one of the fastest channels for international knowledge transfer.

Ideas presented in Davos are rapidly implemented across national markets through business networks, educational institutions, investment communities, and international partnerships.

The Forum will be opened by Christina Batruch, daughter of Bohdan Hawrylyshyn, co-founder and first Director of the World Economic Forum. This year marks the 100th anniversary of his birth, making the opening of the Forum especially symbolic and historically meaningful.

GLOBAL BUSINESS WEEK features a strong international line-up of speakers, entrepreneurs, educators and business leaders, including: Andrew Azarov (UK), Evan Yang (Republic of China), Christina Batruch (Switzerland), Dr Olga Azarova (UK), Dr Liudmyla Stanislavenko (Ukraine), Arvils Pekuless (Latvia), Elena Vykhrystyuk (Ukraine), Cherry Chang (Republic of China), Wendy Silinyana (South Africa), Elena Lee (Kazakhstan), Elena Chirich (Australia), Lyazzat Alshinova (Kazakhstan), Alan Chen (Republic of China), Narmina Hasanova (Azerbaijan), Watceilia Varso (Australia), Jamilya Kerimova (Turkmenistan), Tatiana Markova (Germany), Paul Goggin (UK), Dr Irene Khajalia (Georgia), Svitlana Yashchenok (Austria), Kivanc Gorkem Uclertopragi (Turkey), Irina Nikolenko (Poland), Irina Selevestru (Moldova), Stefaniia Didenko (Ukraine), Maria Luisa Huidobro (Spain), Inga Malakmadze (Georgia), Ira Goel (Germany), Siphawe Gumede (South Africa), Aurika Vranchanu (Switzerland) and many other distinguished experts.

Business Diplomacy: A New Global Infrastructure

Global Business Week continues to strengthen the concept of Business Diplomacy.

Unlike traditional diplomacy, which primarily operates through governments, Business Diplomacy builds relationships through entrepreneurs, innovators, educators, investors, and private-sector leaders.

Trust established between entrepreneurs often develops faster than formal political agreements.

Business partnerships naturally encourage:

• international investment,
• technology transfer,
• educational collaboration,
• startup acceleration,
• market expansion,
• and long-term economic cooperation.

In an increasingly interconnected world, entrepreneurs have become ambassadors of economic stability and international understanding.

From Inspiration to Implementation

Unlike many conferences that conclude when the final session ends, Global Business Week is designed as an implementation platform.

Participants leave not only inspired but equipped with:

• new strategic partnerships,
• investment opportunities,
• international distributors,
• educational collaborations,
• franchise development opportunities,
• startup mentors,
• cross-border business agreements,
• and practical action plans.

Networking is not treated as a side activity—it is integrated into every stage of the programme.

This creates measurable business outcomes that continue long after the event concludes.

Investing in Human Capital

Another defining feature of Global Business Week is its emphasis on people rather than products.

The forum recognizes that sustainable economic growth begins with entrepreneurial education, leadership development, ethical business practices, and the continuous exchange of knowledge.

This philosophy was reflected across every programme—from the Global Education Forum to the Startup World Cup Championship and the World Woman Forum.

The event highlighted that investing in entrepreneurs ultimately means investing in stronger communities, more resilient economies, and greater international prosperity.

The Strategic Importance of Global Business Week

As the global economy becomes increasingly driven by innovation, international collaboration is no longer optional—it is essential.

Global Business Week serves as a strategic platform where entrepreneurs from diverse cultures and industries learn from one another, build trust, and create partnerships capable of generating long-term economic value.

Perhaps the greatest achievement of Global Business Week 2026 was not measured by the number of speeches delivered or meetings held, but by the quality of the relationships created.

These relationships form the foundation of future investments, international ventures, educational initiatives, technology transfer, and sustainable global growth.

Looking Ahead

The success of Global Business Week 2026 in Davos confirms an important reality:

The future of international cooperation will increasingly be shaped not only by governments, but by entrepreneurs.

When business leaders from more than 40 countries gather with a shared commitment to innovation, education, ethical leadership, and collaboration, they create something far greater than a conference.

They create a global ecosystem of trust.

And in today's world, trust remains the most valuable currency of all.

Startup World Cup Championship 2026 Davos: WINNERS

Startup World Cup Championship 2026 United Young Entrepreneurs from Around the World in Davos

9–17 July 2026 | Davos, Switzerland

The Startup World Cup Championship 2026 was successfully held in Davos, Switzerland, as part of Global Business Week 2026, bringing together children, young people and adults with a shared ambition to transform innovative ideas into real businesses.

The Championship became a powerful international platform for the next generation of entrepreneurs, innovators and business leaders. It united participants who were not only dreaming about the future, but were actively creating it through entrepreneurship, technology, creativity and social innovation.

Young talents presented startup projects, developed entrepreneurial thinking, tested their ideas before an international audience and learned how to build sustainable companies capable of generating value, creating jobs, attracting investment and contributing to long-term economic growth.

His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Queen to officially open Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games

Their Majesties The King and Queen will attend the Opening Ceremony of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games on Thursday 23rd July, at The Hydro in Glasgow.

Their Majesties will join athletes, officials, volunteers and spectators from across the Commonwealth to mark the beginning of the XXIII Commonwealth Games, which will see over 3,000 athletes from 74 nations and territories compete for 215 gold medals across 10 sports over 11 days.

During the Ceremony, The King will read aloud the message he placed into the King's Baton on Commonwealth Day, 10th March 2025, at Buckingham Palace, when he launched the Relay with Sir Chris Hoy as its first Baton bearer. The reading of the message by His Majesty will mark the moment that Glasgow 2026 is officially declared open.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Spain's Triumph and the New Balance of World Football

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will be remembered as one of the most exciting and unpredictable tournaments in football history. Featuring 48 national teams for the first time, it became the largest FIFA World Cup ever held and showcased the growing competitiveness of global football.

Spain Are World Champions Again

Spain captured their second FIFA World Cup title, defending champions Argentina 1–0 after extra time in the final at MetLife Stadium. The decisive goal was scored by Ferran Torres in the 106th minute, sealing Spain's first World Cup triumph since 2010. 

Under head coach Luis de la Fuente, Spain combined technical excellence, disciplined defending, and intelligent possession football throughout the tournament. Remarkably, Spain conceded only one goal during the entire competition, one of the greatest defensive performances in World Cup history. 

The main emotions of the World Cup final: Messi's tears, the Spanish celebrating, Trump, not wanting to leave the photo of the winners, the XXL show during the break.

The US President came out to present the awards to the winners of the FIFA World Cup and stayed in front of the cameras when the Spanish team posed for a photo with the cup. FIFA President Infantino tried several times to get Trump out of the frame, but it didn't work out right away.

The Argentine team left the field with silver medals and tears. While the Spaniards continued to rejoice with their fans to the sound of fireworks.

The 2026 World Cup will also be remembered for the large-scale show with performances by Robbie Williams, Madonna, Shakira and other stars. The XXL show was called that by the match commentator on the German channel ZDF.

The Biggest Surprises of the Tournament

The 2026 World Cup produced numerous unexpected stories:

• Morocco continued its rise as a global football force by reaching the quarter-finals after eliminating Canada.

• Norway enjoyed its strongest World Cup performance in decades, defeating Brazil before eventually losing to England in the quarter-finals.

• Paraguay shocked Germany in the Round of 32 via a penalty shootout.

• Cape Verde, one of the tournament's newcomers, advanced to the knockout stage and demonstrated the increasing strength of emerging football nations.

• The expansion to 48 teams created opportunities for more countries to compete successfully on football's biggest stage, increasing both competitiveness and global interest. 

Argentina's Remarkable Campaign

Although Argentina narrowly missed retaining the title, the reigning champions once again reached the World Cup Final, highlighting the consistency of one of football's greatest generations.

For Lionel Messi, the tournament represented another extraordinary chapter in an already legendary international career, as he became only the second player ever to appear in three FIFA World Cup finals. 

Spain's New Football Era

Spain's victory confirms the emergence of a new golden generation built around collective football rather than individual brilliance.

Throughout the tournament Spain demonstrated:

• exceptional tactical discipline;

• dominant ball possession;

• outstanding defensive organisation;

• efficient attacking football;

• remarkable squad depth.

Many analysts described Spain as the tournament's most complete team and a deserving world champion. 

FIFA World Cup Winners – All-Time Titles

Country	World Cup Titles
Brazil	5
Germany	4
Italy	4
Argentina	3
Uruguay	2
France	2
Spain	2
England	1

A Tournament That Changed Football

The 2026 FIFA World Cup demonstrated that international football has become more competitive than ever before. Traditional powers remain strong, but emerging nations continue to narrow the gap through investment in youth development, coaching, sports science, and innovation.

Spain's triumph symbolizes more than another trophy. It represents the success of a long-term football philosophy built on technical excellence, teamwork, and player development.

As football enters a new era with 48 participating nations, the 2026 World Cup will be remembered not only for crowning Spain as world champions but also for proving that the global game has never been stronger, more diverse, or more exciting.

The Women Noble Prize 2026 Winner - Lyazzat Alshinova, Kazakhstan

THE WOMEN NOBLE PRIZE by UN SDGs

Celebrating Women Who Change the World

In a world facing unprecedented challenges and opportunities, one truth remains clear: when women lead, communities thrive, economies grow, and societies become more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient.

The UN SDGs THE WOMEN NOBLE PRIZE is an international distinction presented annually within the framework of the World Woman Forum, recognizing one exceptional woman whose life, leadership, and achievements embody the spirit of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Unlike many awards that honour multiple winners, The Women Noble Prize selects only ONE Woman of the Year worldwide. This unique principle emphasizes the extraordinary impact of a single woman whose actions inspire millions and demonstrate how leadership, compassion, innovation, and service can transform the world.

The Prize celebrates women who build bridges between nations, empower communities, advance education and science, improve healthcare, support entrepreneurship, champion equality, and create sustainable solutions for future generations.

Its mission is simple yet profound: To honour women who turn vision into action and action into lasting global change.

This year, the Nominating Committee reviewed applications from 120 successful women and selected one who will become a symbol of change and women's influence in 2026.

We are proud to announce that the Nominating Committee of the International Prize has chosen Lyazat Alshinova of Kazakhstan as the 2026 Laureate. 

Women Noble Prize Laureate 2026

Lyazzat Alshinova

The Women Noble Prize 2026 is awarded to Lyazzat Alshinova, an outstanding leader whose professional achievements, social contribution, and commitment to empowering people have made a significant impact on society.

Driving the Innovation Agenda in Uncertain Times. A Perspective from CEOs

Right now, keeping innovation high on the agenda is often challenging for CEOs in an era of increased uncertainty and pressing cost constraints.

The nagging worry about not pushing hard enough to innovate came to the fore at a recent gathering of leaders at BCG’s CEO Summit in California.

Among the discussions: How can companies lean into the innovation agenda when there are so many urgent demands on a company’s resources and leaders’ time? And how can they address innovation holistically when AI, understandably, dominates the agenda?

The So What

“In tough operating environments when risk and cost management are priorities, the temptation is to extract incremental growth from existing product portfolios and underinvest in innovation that will only materialize in the mid to long term,” says Judith Wallenstein, who leads BCG’s CEO Advisory.

“While volatility actually increases the need for innovation, it often makes organizations more risk averse and paralyzes them.”

The data suggests that the companies which outperform their industry peers are those that keep innovating and making smart, strategic investments during times of economic stress.
Based on an analysis of those companies that have appeared on BCG’s annual Most Innovative Companies list since 2005, there is a strong link between long-term innovation excellence and superior total shareholder return (TSR).

Top innovators outperformed the broader market by 2.4 percentage points annually on average, with particularly strong gains during the 2008 financial downturn and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Separate BCG research found that strategic deals made in down markets generate 9 percentage points greater relative shareholder returns over the following two years than deals made in up markets.
And 43% of transformation programs launched during the pandemic—certainly a moment of crisis—achieved value-accretive growth. That compares with only 28% launched in years of comparative global economic stability.

Such data can also support alignment from the board, persuading those who are reluctant to take on more risk through continuously investing in innovation.

And while AI investments are an essential part of every company’s innovation agenda, they should not necessarily make up all of it, Wallenstein says. CEOs need to align their boards on a holistic set of innovation priorities.

“One of the most impressive traits I see in the innovation leaders I meet is their passion to make better products and services for customers,” she says. “It starts with an obsession that there could be a better product out there, an attitude that simultaneously drives out complacency and fosters innovation.”


Now What

Win the board’s backing. Having a big, bold idea is not necessarily enough in itself. Having the right innovation systems and demonstrating how to execute well is also vital to get alignment. Striving for above-peer research and development excellence is an evergreen in many industries in this context. Many leaders also stress that being clear on which ideas to stop and which ones to prioritize is part of a strong execution culture on innovation. This frees up resources and also demonstrates a clear vision and commitment to the most important ideas.

Harness the power of AI to accelerate the innovation cycle, making it more effective and cost-efficient. This could include identifying market trends by distilling multiple sources of unstructured data at speed, and using simulations to quickly and cheaply test virtual product iterations. AI can also help post launch, with testing performance and providing real-time feedback from multiple sources to aid with post-launch modifications.

Scrutinize competition. This includes being brutally honest about the external environment and asking what a competing product from a traditional or an AI-first competitor could look like. It’s about continuous reflection on what a customer could want and honing in on whether a particular product will meet customer needs in five years’ time.

Build organizational capacity around continuous innovation. This includes deciding where innovation is hosted and who the key decision makers are. Innovation should not be seen as a standalone initiative, but instead become embedded in how the organization operates, makes decisions, develops talent, and allocates resources. Aligning innovation efforts with the company's purpose and values will also help it to become an integral part of company culture. Part of this culture could include visibly rewarding the right level of risk-taking, even when a project does not have the desired outcome.

“Building and maintaining a strong and productive innovation machine is one of the strongest legacies that CEOs can create,” Wallenstein says.

“It is surely worth keeping high on the agenda, even in these uncertain times.”