Davos 2026 sees leaders urge caution on AI governance

Artificial intelligence dominated discussions at the World Economic Forum in Davos this year, but the prevailing tone among global leaders was one of caution rather than celebration, as governments and corporations grapple with rapid adoption in the absence of clear global rules.

Speakers repeatedly described AI as a force already reshaping jobs, governance, and economic power, while warning that its disruptive effects are accelerating faster than policy frameworks.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen pointed to a fractured yet deeply interconnected global economy, noting that trade barriers have surged even as supply chains remain interlinked, a contradiction mirrored in the AI debate.

Economist and former Nigerian foreign minister Ngozi Okonjo Iweala urged leaders not to “hyperventilate” amid uncertainty, calling calmness and restraint essential leadership skills.

Several participants stressed that acknowledging trade-offs, asking better questions, and allowing room for experimentation were now more valuable than projecting certainty.

Concerns about employment featured prominently.

JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon said AI would lead to fewer jobs over the next five years, while Deloitte CEO Joe Ucuzoglu warned that labour disruption could deepen inequality without coordinated action.

IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva described AI’s impact on labour markets as a “tsunami”, particularly for younger workers.

While executives highlighted productivity gains and economic potential, the dominant message from Davos was that the consequences of AI will depend less on technology itself and more on how societies manage the transition amid persistent uncertainty.