Following the welcome remarks from Dr. Felix Moesner, Swiss Consul and CEO of Swissnex in Japan, the event featured a keynote speech from Alois Zwinggi, Managing Director, Member of the Managing Board, World Economic Forum. He emphasized that in a world of growing geopolitical uncertainty, dialogue and collaboration are not optional, but strategic imperatives. Bing Chomprasob, Chief Representative Officer, World Economic Forum Japan, provided an overview of Davos 2026 and highlighted the central themes: responsible innovation, investment in people, and prosperity within planetary boundaries.

Speakers shared first-hand insights from the Annual Meeting:

• Kumiko Seto, Contributing Editor, Forbes JAPAN, served as the moderator, facilitating insightful discussion on key themes such as geopolitics, AI, and Japan’s global role
• Hiroyuki Isono, President & CEO, Oji Holdings Corporation, highlighted the potential of Japan’s forest resources and circular economy to drive innovation and sustainability.
• Sayaka Tanaka, Founder & CEO, NPO Waffle, focused on inclusive AI education, particularly for girls and non-binary youth, and the importance of lifelong learning.
• Masao Masuda, Member of the Board of Directors& Managing Executive Officer, Development Bank of Japan, emphasized the role of economic sovereignty and bold investment in shaping Japan’s competitiveness.
• Bing Chomprasob, Chief Representative Officer, WEF Japan, elaborated on Japan’s role as a middle power, advocating strategic partnerships beyond traditional multilateral frameworks.

The panel discussion explored how AI is transitioning from experimental use to core infrastructure, highlighting both its potential to increase productivity and the risks of uneven access. Panelists also discussed energy and sustainability challenges, noting that AI’s growing power needs require regional cooperation, responsible sourcing, and investment in renewable technologies.

Japan’s leadership in AI governance, exemplified by the Hiroshima AI Process, was highlighted as a model for bridging advanced and developing economies, ensuring that innovation is both inclusive and ethical. Panelists stressed that workforce reskilling and the integration of women in STEM are essential for maintaining Japan’s competitive edge.

A key theme was innovation that respects planetary boundaries. Hiroyuki Isono showcased Oji Holdings’ nature-positive approach, balancing forest management with industrial production. Masuda reinforced the need for blended finance and regulatory clarity to scale technologies like hydrogen, batteries, and advanced materials.

Panelists agreed that prosperity within environmental limits is not optional. Japan’s focus on the space economy, advanced manufacturing, and renewable resources positions the country to contribute solutions for global challenges while maintaining economic growth.

The event concluded with an interactive Q&A session. Participants raised questions on AI energy use, strategies for middle powers, and priorities for Japan to reclaim global leadership. Adding an artistic dimension, the evening featured Human Atmospheres by Ronen Tanchum, an immersive digital landscape using real-time weather data from Davos, highlighting the intersection of art, technology, and planetary awareness.

This Davos 2026 Debriefing was made possible through the collaboration of Swissnex in Japan, Swiss Business Hub Japan, SCCIJ and Suntory. These partnerships reflect a shared commitment to dialogue, innovation, and sustainable impact between Switzerland and Japan. By translating insights from Davos into actionable strategies, the event underscored the importance of international exchange, responsible innovation, and coalition-building in navigating the challenges of the intelligent and sustainable age.