Davos 2026 - Putting children at the center of the digital future

At the World Economic Forum’s 2026 Annual Meeting in Davos, the global conversation on artificial intelligence reached a pivotal moment, one that underscored the urgent need to put children at the centre of digital decision‑making. As AI continues to shape societies, economies, and everyday interactions, UNICEF aimed to ensure that child rights remained a core consideration in these discussions.

UNICEF brought a clear and compelling message to Davos: AI must be developed and governed in ways that safeguard children, promote openness, and guarantee inclusion. Across panels, interviews, and high‑level exchanges, our team emphasized both the immense potential of AI to improve children’s lives and the significant risks when their needs and vulnerabilities are overlooked.

This year, we also introduced a fresh, engaging way to share UNICEF’s presence on the ground: UNICEF Chief of AI Henrietta Ridley’s velfies from Davos, capturing real‑time insights, key discussions, and behind‑the‑scenes moments.

As Davos 2026 focused on themes such as AI governance, ethics, global resilience, economic transformation, and the future of work, UNICEF’s contributions served as a reminder that the future of AI must be a future built for and with children.