Agenda Davos 2026: A Spirit of Dialogue in a Fractured World

Agenda Davos 2026: A Spirit of Dialogue in a Fractured World

By Janpha Thadphoothon

Let's go to Davos and enjoy the views.

I am sure you would agree with me that the world feels heavier this year. As we look toward the snow-capped peaks of Switzerland, where the World Economic Forum (WEF) is currently unfolding, the atmosphere seems charged with a distinct urgency. The news has it that over 3,000 leaders have gathered in Davos-Klosters under the theme "A Spirit of Dialogue," and my gut tells me that this choice of words is no accident. We are living in a time of fragmentation, and the need for genuine conversation has never been more pressing.

As we know, the annual meeting in Davos is often criticized as a playground for the elite, a place where the wealthy pat themselves on the back. Critics such as anti-globalization activists would tell you that it is merely a talk shop disconnected from the reality of the common man. However challenging, I determine to make it clear that while skepticism is healthy, dismissing the agenda entirely would be a mistake. First of all, the decisions made—or not made—in those conference rooms ripple out to affect us all, from the price of goods in Bangkok to the curriculum we teach in our classrooms.

Fundamentally, it is all about five critical pillars this year: cooperation in a contested world, unlocking new sources of growth, deploying innovation responsibly, investing in people, and prosperity within planetary boundaries. According to the media, the return of Donald Trump to the global stage has sucked much of the oxygen out of the room, but I think the real story lies deeper in the technological and environmental shifts being discussed.

The Geopolitical Fracture

It is well known that global trust is at a low point. People say that we are entering a new Cold War, or perhaps something even more complex—a "poly-crisis." Based on the first impression, the speeches from global leaders, including President Trump and Ursula von der Leyen, highlight a world turning inward. Trump speaks of "American dynamism" and deregulation, while Europe speaks of "strategic autonomy." Some argue for protectionism, while some argue against the decoupling of economies.

I am not sure but it seems we are witnessing the end of the hyper-globalization era. Nevertheless, it is my long-held belief that (though I could be wrong) isolation is not the answer. Make no mistake, in a country like Thailand, which relies heavily on international trade and tourism, we cannot afford to close our doors. In Thailand, for example, our supply chains are inextricably linked to both East and West. My conviction is that "A Spirit of Dialogue" must be more than a slogan; it must be a survival strategy for smaller nations navigating this clash of giants.

The Era of "Agentic" AI

Let's be a bit more scientific for a moment. What we all know and agree upon is that Artificial Intelligence is no longer just a buzzword; it is the engine driving this new era. As a language teacher, I have watched the evolution of AI with a mix of fascination and trepidation. I know you would agree with me that just a few years ago, we were marveling at chatbots that could write simple emails. Those were the days when everything was simple, but technology moves at lightning speed.

Experts and critics often say that at Davos 2026, the focus has shifted from Generative AI to "Agentic" AI. One may ask what "Agentic AI" is. It refers to systems that don't just generate text or images but can take action—negotiating contracts, booking flights, or writing code autonomously. I am not an expert, but I have read somewhere that this shift requires a new form of governance. Let me introduce you to the notion of the "Glass Box," a concept proposed at the forum where AI decision-making in government must be transparent and auditable.

I have a certificate of Generative AI with Large Language Models issued by DeepLearning.AI, so I notice these nuances perhaps more than most. I guess it is fair to say that while I understand the mechanisms, the speed of deployment is staggering. Somehow I think it is both a miracle and a threat. I'd like to entertain you with the idea that in the near future, our English Language Teaching (ELT) classrooms might be populated not just by students, but by AI agents assisting—or perhaps assessing—them.

Those were the good old days for some, when a teacher’s main worry was a student hiding a textbook under the desk. Now, we worry about "Shadow AI"—unsanctioned AI tools used by students or employees without oversight. Indeed, the corporate world is buzzing about this risk at Davos. Having said that, I realize that we cannot ban these tools. We must teach our students to use them ethically. Wisdom from the past hints that prohibiting a technology only drives it underground.

The Blue Economy and Water Resilience

Changing gears slightly, I like the idea of the "Blue Economy" taking center stage. They say that 2026 is the "Year of Water" at Davos. It has perplexed me for years why water—the very source of life—is often treated as a secondary issue in economic forums. Globally, water scarcity is becoming a threat to stability, and what's more interesting is that this is now being linked to AI.

You may wish to picture this scenario: massive data centers required to run "Agentic AI" consuming millions of gallons of water for cooling, competing with farmers and local communities for resources. It is my personal belief that this intersection of technology and ecology is where the real battle for the future will be fought.

In my opinion, this is highly relevant to us in Southeast Asia. In Thailand, for example, we fluctuate between devastating floods and crippling droughts. Accordingly, the launch of initiatives like the "Water Resilience Challenge" at Davos is welcome news. I somehow think that the "Aquapreneurs" awarded funding this week might hold the keys to solving some of our local problems. No one knows everything, but I would like to believe that innovation can save us, provided it is guided by wisdom.

Investing in People

Finally, and perhaps most importantly for me, is the pillar of "Investing in People." As a matter of fact, all this talk of AI and economics means nothing if we leave people behind. I must admit that I worry about the workforce of tomorrow. Gradually, I have come to see that my role as an assistant professor is not just to teach English grammar, but to teach adaptability.

The past is the past. We cannot train students for jobs that existed in 1990. Like it or not, the world moves on. Experts say that reskilling is the challenge of the decade. And then ultimately, it comes down to human resilience. I think the "human-centric" approach advocated at Davos—prioritizing health, well-being, and equitable access to opportunity—is the only way to prevent the social fractures from deepening.

To conclude, I am not sure but I feel a cautious optimism. That's not all, there is also a sense of realism that was perhaps missing in previous years. Some argue against the relevance of Davos, but my gut tells me that as long as people are talking, there is hope. As the saying goes, "jaw-jaw is better than war-war."

Nevertheless, it is my belief that the real work happens not in the Swiss Alps, but in our classrooms, our offices, and our communities. Whatever happens in Davos, we in Bangkok must interpret these global trends and apply them to our local context. We must prepare our students for an AI-driven world while keeping their feet firmly planted in their own culture.

I could be wrong, but I believe that dialogue—true, open-hearted dialogue—is the only technology that has never failed us.

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Janpha Thadphoothon is an Assistant Professor of ELT, Faculty of Arts and College of Educational Sciences, Dhurakij Pundit University (DPU), Bangkok, Thailand