The World Economic Forum announced on March 24, 2026 that it would reschedule the Global Collaboration and Growth Meeting it had planned to hold in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia the following month. The decision followed consultations with the Saudi Ministry of Economy and Planning and was attributed to current regional developments that the parties determined could limit the meeting’s impact, according to a joint understanding outlined in statements from both sides. The Forum and the ministry agreed that postponement would better position the event to achieve meaningful outcomes on global growth and collaboration priorities.
According to the World Economic Forum’s press release, the rescheduling reflects a commitment to convening the meeting under conditions that ensure its full strategic impact. “In light of the current regional developments, and in close consultation with the Ministry of Economy and Planning of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the World Economic Forum will be rescheduling the Global Collaboration and Growth Meeting, which had been planned for April 2026 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia,” the statement said. The release further noted that the Forum remains committed to facilitating a forward-looking agenda for the region and beyond, with updates on the new date to be provided in due course.
The Saudi Ministry of Economy and Planning said the decision was taken at the request of the World Economic Forum as a result of the ongoing developments in the region. A ministry statement affirmed that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia had made comprehensive preparations to host the meeting and remains fully equipped to convene it at the appropriate time. It added that authorities look forward to hosting the Global Collaboration and Growth Meeting at a date to be announced.
The gathering was announced on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting in Davos on January 24, 2026, the Saudi Press Agency reported. It was set to carry the theme “Building Common Ground and Reviving Growth” and follow the model of the 2024 Special Meeting on Global Collaboration, Growth and Energy for Development, which the WEF said brought together over 700 leaders from all sectors and industries. These meetings serve as platforms for high-level dialogue on economic recovery, energy transitions and international cooperation.
Reuters reported that the postponement comes as the United States and Israel are engaged in conflict with Iran, escalating tensions across the Middle East that have affected plans for international events. The news service noted the original April 22-23 dates for the Jeddah meeting would have fallen during a period of heightened regional uncertainty. The World Economic Forum has previously adjusted schedules for its gatherings in response to geopolitical or health crises to maintain focus and safety.
Saudi Arabia has increasingly hosted major international forums as part of its Vision 2030 initiative to diversify its economy and elevate its global role, according to official government publications. The Ministry of Economy and Planning has highlighted the kingdom’s capacity to organize such high-profile events effectively. Coordination with the World Economic Forum continues to identify a suitable new timeframe for the rescheduled meeting.
The Qatar News Agency, which distributed details of the announcement, noted that both the Forum and Saudi authorities expressed optimism about eventually holding the meeting in Jeddah. No specific alternative date had been confirmed by June 2026. The event is expected to address key challenges in global economic governance and collaborative growth strategies when it takes place.
