Polish Leaders in Davos at the World Economic Forum
From 19–23 January 2026, the 56th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) will once again bring together global leaders from business, politics, academia and culture in Switzerland. This year, the Polish business and expert community is strengthening the country’s presence in Davos through the creation of Leaders Forum powered by Poland. The five-day programme is organised by the Centre for International Relations Foundation (CIR) and THINKTANK, with Autopay, Adamed and Żabka Group as its principal partners.
Leaders Forum powered by Poland will take place from 19–23 January as an official satellite event to the World Economic Forum, which in 2026 will convene under the theme “A Spirit of Dialogue”. Discussions in Davos will focus on critical global challenges: fostering cooperation in an era of heightened competition, identifying new drivers of growth, investing in human capital, advancing innovation responsibly, and contributing to a more stable international environment.
The purpose of Leaders Forum powered by Poland is to amplify Poland’s voice in global debate and to position the country as Europe’s emerging leader of development and a dynamic innovation hub for Central and Eastern Europe. The Forum will bring together leaders from business, government, academia and culture, creating a platform for meaningful international dialogue.
“As the world’s 20th largest economy and the fifth largest in the European Union, Poland is entering a new chapter in its history. The invitation from the President of the United States to join the G20 during the American presidency signals how far our global standing has advanced. We have achieved an extraordinary transformation in just three decades. Yet our presence remains insufficient in many of the places where the world’s future is discussed and shaped. One of these is Davos during the World Economic Forum. ‘Leaders Forum powered by Poland’ represents a collective effort by our think tanks, businesses, government and academic community to showcase the Poland of today – creative, modern, energetic and ready to co-create solutions for Europe and the world. Our voice must be heard” – says Dr Małgorzata Bonikowska, President of the Centre for International Relations and THINKTANK.
Perspectives from Polish Business
The principal partners of Leaders Forum powered by Poland are:
- Autopay – a European brand of Polish origin, building a comprehensive fintech ecosystem,
- Adamed – an innovative Polish pharmaceutical and biotechnology company with global reach,
- Żabka Group – one of Europe’s leading modern convenience ecosystems.
“Our mission is to connect businesses and consumers within a partnership-driven fintech ecosystem that saves time and accelerates shared growth. With mature technological competences, extensive experience in handling high transaction volumes and a future-ready architecture, we are consistently building our position as a global player. We are executing an ambitious international expansion strategy across Europe, South America, Southeast Asia and the Arabian Peninsula. Being present in Davos—one of the world’s most important venues for discussions on the economy and innovation—is a natural step for a company with global ambitions” – says Wojciech Murawski, Co-CEO of Autopay.
“Over 40 years, Adamed has evolved from a small family enterprise into an international company. Our medicines now support patients in dozens of countries, and we operate manufacturing sites in Poland and Asia as well as eight international offices. We have succeeded by investing in scientific excellence and innovation. We will be in Davos to demonstrate the strength of the Polish brand and of the Polish economy, which has ascended into the ranks of the world’s 20 largest economies in such a short time” – says Katarzyna Dubno, Director of External Relations, ESG and Health Economics at Adamed Pharma.
“Żabka has grown from a small store into an international company and a European leader in modern convenience retail. Much of this success is due to the transformation that Poland has undergone over the past decades. Today, Poland is one of the fastest-developing economies globally, which justifies the country’s consistent presence at events such as the Forum in Davos. Together with THINKTANK and our partners, we believe it is time to showcase Poland in a way that challenges outdated stereotypes. The innovative technologies employed by Żabka and our responsible business practices demonstrate that a Polish company can set global trends. I am confident that, as a nation, we lead in many areas—and that this is a strong foundation on which to build Poland’s international brand” – says Tomasz Suchański, CEO of Żabka Group.
The principal partners of Leaders Forum powered by Poland are Autopay, Adamed and Żabka Group.
Additional partners include: PKO BP, Orlen, and the Centralny Port Komunikacyjny (Central Transport Hub).
The institutional partner is Konfederacja Lewiatan, organiser of the European Forum for New Ideas, and the academic partner is the University of Warsaw.
The main media partner of the Leaders Forum is Ringier Axel Springer. The project is also supported by TVP World and TVP Info.
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Autopay is a European brand with Polish roots that is building a comprehensive fintech ecosystem for businesses and consumers. It helps save time and reduces dependence on single providers by automating payments in e-commerce, telecommunications, municipal services, and mobility. Autopay’s solutions are used by 15 million users, and 50,000 companies choose its payment, biometric, verification, and mobility technologies.
The brand operates based on the values of independence, freedom, responsibility, partnership, and trust — creating solutions that offer real choice, control, and a collaborative model of cooperation. Autopay is now one of the largest technology companies in Central and Eastern Europe and is rapidly expanding its operations in Europe, South America, Southeast Asia, and the Arabian Peninsula.
Adamed Pharma is a Polish family-owned pharmaceutical and biotechnology company producing nearly 900 stock-keeping units in Poland and abroad, serving patients in dozens of countries. The company employs almost 2,800 people. For 20 years, Adamed has conducted its own innovative R&D activities, investing nearly PLN 2.4 billion since 2001. It collaborates scientifically with leading universities, medical experts and research institutes worldwide. The company’s intellectual property is protected by 256 patents globally.
Żabka Group is Ultimate Convenience Ecosystem with a mission to create value by simplifying people’s everyday lives. The Group serves an expanding customer base seeking convenient solutions while promoting responsible practices towards customers, franchisees, suppliers and the wider environment, including sustainable product and packaging use. The ecosystem includes Poland’s leading modern convenience retail network under the Żabka brand, and the Froo network in Romania – together comprising more than 12,000 stores. The network is complemented by Żabka Nano, Europe’s largest chain of autonomous, unmanned stores offering 24/7 shopping. The Group also offers an advanced portfolio of digital services. Its brand Maczfit provides high-quality ready-to-eat meals delivered directly to customers, while Dietly is a leading platform for comparing dietary catering providers. Online grocery operations are run through the Jush! and Delio brands. Since October 2024, Żabka Group has been listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange.
