The 17th Annual Meeting of the New Champions, known as Summer Davos, concluded in Dalian, China, after running from June 23 to 25, 2026 [4].

The gathering sought to determine how technological breakthroughs in artificial intelligence and clean energy can be converted into tangible jobs and economic growth. As global markets face volatility, the forum served as a critical junction for coordinating international cooperation on advanced manufacturing.

Between 1,500 [1] and more than 1,700 participants [2] attended the event. These leaders represented business, government, and academia from over 90 countries and regions [3].

Discussions focused on the translation of AI breakthroughs into scalable industrial applications. The forum emphasized the need for sustainability and the role of clean-energy innovations in stabilizing the global economy. Participants examined how these technologies could foster new opportunities for employment across different sectors.

Premier Li Qiang said innovation and international cooperation were important during the proceedings. The event aimed to bridge the gap between theoretical technological advancement and practical economic implementation — a process essential for the next phase of global development.

The meeting occurred as the World Economic Forum continues to push for a global economic reset. By focusing on the "New Champions," the forum prioritized emerging industries over traditional economic models to address current sustainability challenges.

“Between 1,500 and more than 1,700 participants attended the event.”

The focus on 'translating' AI and clean energy into jobs suggests that global leaders are moving past the hype phase of generative AI and are now concerned with the actual labor market impacts and infrastructure requirements. By hosting the event in Dalian, the forum underscores China's central role in the global supply chain for advanced manufacturing and green technology.