Davos is where competing perspectives directly meet

Every trip to Davos during the WEF is not easy — flights, trains, shuttles, and endless security checks. By the time I arrive, I'm exhausted, but that feeling never lasts long. It is quickly replaced by the reminder of how rare this access is: for one week, a quiet Alpine town becomes a crossroads for global decision-makers, and some of the world's most sensitive conversations take place face to face.

This year, uncertainty dominated those conversations. Much of the hallway talk centered on the United States, its latest foreign policy moves, and a renewed push to acquire Greenland. Despite widespread dissatisfaction with the Greenland takeover bid, the US president's address still drew what regular attendees have described as the largest crowd in Davos history. The Congress Hall had reached overcapacity, with even badge-holding journalists turned away at the door.

The sense of unease is sometimes expressed in stark terms. On the sidelines of the forum, I heard former Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau reflect on how the world may be entering a new era unlike anything seen since World War II. With pop star Katy Perry standing nearby, the contrast felt surreal. Trudeau's message was blunt: the roughly 80 years of relative stability that followed the war may be giving way to a far less predictable global order.

China, meanwhile, is firmly in focus. Vice-Premier He Lifeng's speech emphasized free trade and multilateral cooperation, and in private discussions, China is often described as a stabilizing force. As tensions rise elsewhere, many participants see China as an anchor of continuity in an increasingly volatile geopolitical landscape.

Artificial intelligence is another constant theme. The main street in Davos is lined with companies displaying AI slogans, and the packed agenda includes AI-related panels. Beyond chips and computing power, the debate also centers on development models. China's open-source approach and rapid industrial deployment are frequently cited, and companies including UnionPay and JD shared their experiences in AI investment and application.

For a reporter, the week was intense and demanding, but also deeply instructive. One personal highlight this year was interviewing Ireland's Prime Minister Micheal Martin, who recently visited China and told me about the significant interest the Chinese government has in creating a framework between Europe and China to facilitate a more stable and sustainable trading relationship.

And now, WEF has concluded. After days of relentless discussions, motorcades and media briefings, the town of Davos returns to its normal Alpine tranquility.