Davos: Von der Leyen, He, Macron and Carney to speak as Greenland crisis looms over WEF – business live

The Guardian - World NewsCenter-LeftEN 8 min read 100% complete by Graeme Wearden in DavosJanuary 20, 2026 at 08:47 AM

AI Summary

long article 8 min

The World Economic Forum (WEF) is underway in Davos, Switzerland, with nearly 3,000 leaders convening to discuss global issues. The event is overshadowed by international tensions, including the potential for trade disputes between the US and Europe, driven by US interest in Greenland. Other concerns include Iran, Ukraine, AI, and the next head of the US Federal Reserve. Several prominent figures are scheduled to speak, including Ursula von der Leyen, Emmanuel Macron, He Lifeng, and Mark Carney. The US has sent its largest delegation ever, with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stating that European retaliation would be "very unwise." In addition to formal discussions, business deals are expected to be negotiated throughout the week.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Rachel Reeves 40% China 50% Scott Bessent ×260% Mark Carney 60% United States ×270% Emmanuel Macron ×270% He Lifeng ×270% European Union ×270% Greenland ×380% Ursula von der Leyen ×280% World Economic Forum ×590% Donald Trump ×390%

Keywords

davos 100% world economic forum 90% greenland 80% trade levies 70% tariffs 60% international relations 60% us foreign policy 50% european union 50% global economy 40%