Berge Brende
President
Sessions (3)
Sessions featuring Berge Brende at World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2026
Special Address by He Lifeng, Vice-Premier of China
He Lifeng argued that tariff and trade wars fragment the world economy, urging support for free trade, multilateralism, WTO-centered rules, and equal consultation. He positioned China as both “the world’s factory” and an expanding market, citing 5.4% average annual growth over five years and pledging to boost domestic demand, imports, and cooperation.
Special Address by Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission
Ursula von der Leyen argued that permanent geopolitical disruption requires a permanent shift toward European independence. She outlined Europe’s strategy: diversify trade, simplify business rules through “EU Inc.,” deepen capital markets, secure affordable energy, scale defense investment, and sustain Ukraine’s position of strength.
Conversation with Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani
Sheikh Mohammed framed the world as entering a faster, more fragile geopolitical transition requiring reform of outdated postwar systems. He urged regional security dialogue, full Gaza stabilization, diplomatic solutions with Iran, and sustained support for Syria’s difficult state-rebuilding process.