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Jun 23, 2026 Major3
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17th Summer Davos Forum Opens in Dalian with Focus on Innovation and Green Development
The 17th Summer Davos Forum opened in Dalian, China, on June 23, 2026, bringing together over 1,700 participants from more than 90 countries to discuss global economic recovery and innovation. The forum focuses on AI, green industries, and other advanced technologies, featuring a cultural heritage exhibition and the release of key reports. Participants highlight China's growing influence in sci-tech and sustainable development as a catalyst for global growth.
Quick Facts
Who
World Economic Forum
What
17th Summer Davos Forum opens in Dalian
When
June 23, 2026
Where
Dalian
- 17th Summer Davos Forum opens in Dalian
- exhibition of over 1,300 intangible cultural heritage works
- discussions on AI, green industries, quantum technology, biomedicine
- release of 'Energy Transition Index' and 'Top 10 Emerging Technologies' reports
- focus on China's 15th Five-Year Plan and 'AI Plus' strategy
The 17th Summer Davos Forum, officially known as the World Economic Forum's Annual Meeting of the New Champions, opened on June 23, 2026, in Dalian, Liaoning Province, drawing over 1,700 participants from more than 90 countries and regions. The three-day event, held at the Dalian International Conference Center, is themed "Innovating at Scale" and aims to explore pathways for global economic recovery and high-quality growth amid ongoing challenges.
On the first day, attendees engaged in sessions covering a broad range of cutting-edge topics, including artificial intelligence, humanoid robots, green industries, quantum technology, biomedicine, and advanced manufacturing. One session titled "AI Everywhere, Not at Once" highlighted the nuanced adoption of AI technologies. The forum also features an exhibition showcasing more than 1,300 works from 54 forms of intangible cultural heritage, offering participants a glimpse into China's rich cultural traditions.
This year's forum comes shortly after China's adoption of its 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030), which emphasizes sci-tech breakthroughs, intelligent and digital transformation, and the "AI Plus" strategy. Many participants view China as a key driver of future growth and innovation, particularly in clean energy and technology. The number of foreign attendees has increased by nearly 30% compared to last year, and participation from specialized "little giant" and unicorn enterprises has grown by 40%.
During the forum, several flagship reports are expected to be released, including the "Energy Transition Index" and the "Top 10 Emerging Technologies." The event serves as a platform for international dialogue on global economic trends, with participants noting China's leading position in AI and green development as sources of optimism for the world economy. Executives from companies like Honeywell China and Manpower Group have highlighted China's openness to innovation and its vast market as unique advantages for scaling new technologies.
Why This Matters
This forum signals the direction of global economic trends, especially in AI and green industries, offering actionable insights for businesses and policymakers. With China’s 15th Five-Year Plan emphasizing AI Plus and digital transformation, the discussions and released reports (e.g., Energy Transition Index) provide concrete data and strategies for scaling innovations. Companies seeking to enter or expand in China can leverage the increased foreign participation and showcase of intangible cultural heritage to build partnerships.
Timeline & Sources
Jan 1, 2007
WireFirst Summer Davos Forum held in Dalian
Jun 23, 2026
Wire17th Summer Davos Forum opens in Dalian
Jun 23, 2026
WireForum sessions begin, including 'AI Everywhere, Not at Once'; cultural heritage exhibition opens
Entities
Sources
- In pics: Snapshots of 2026 Summer Davos forum in DalianxinhuaMediaJun 23, 2026
- Exhibition of intangible cultural heritage opens to visitors during Summer Davos in China's DalianxinhuaMediaJun 23, 2026
- (Summer Davos) China Focus: China's appeal grows at Summer Davos with innovation, green development surgingxinhuaMediaJun 23, 2026