Davos 2026 Session 1: What Are the Capabilities Youth Need to Navigate the World Today and in the Future Ahead?

Event Description

Session #1: What Are the Capabilities Youth Need to Navigate the World Today and in the Future Ahead?

This discussion will identify and align on the human capabilities that will determine economic resilience in a decisive decade. As geopolitical and climate risks intensify and technology accelerates disruption, we will debate what capabilities matter most for the prosperity, stability and competitiveness of businesses, economies and societie

Facilitated by Rebecca Winthrop (Brookings CUE) and Asheesh Advani (JA Worldwide)

Event Logistics
11:30 - 11:45 Event registration
11:45 - 13:00 Discussion
13:00 - 13:30 Networking Lunch with pumpkin soup, potato terrine and sweets

Please note that the event will take place at Hotel Schatzalp. The funicular takes you up and down through the day every 15 min and from 7:00pm every 30 min. Station address can be accessed through Promenade 63, Davos.

What is the Theme of Education House @WEF 2026?
Education at a Turning Point: Preparing Young People for an Era of AI, Growing Complexity & New Opportunity

The world is entering a decisive decade – one that will test the resilience of our societies, economies, and institutions. Rising geopolitical instability, accelerating AI adoption, and deepening polarization are reshaping the global landscape faster than our systems can adapt and exposing a critical truth: our ability to meet the challenges ahead depends on the capabilities of the next generation.

For system leaders, businesses and governments alike, this is not an issue on the sidelines- it is a core question of resilience, human capability, and global stability. The workforce of the future must be prepared not only for employment, but for a world defined by complexity and constant disruption. School-to-work pathways remain essential, but they must be part of a broader evolution–one that equips young with deeper human capabilities such as critical thinking, collaboration across differences, ethical leadership, and adaptability–to enable businesses and societies to thrive in an AI-enabled world.

Transforming education to build these capabilities demands cross-sector ambition and coordinated action. No single system or actor can do this alone. Business and system leaders have a pivotal role in shaping the ecosystems that develop the talent and leadership our future depends on.