Attendees of the 2026 World Economic Forum in Davos are preparing for a new dynamic as Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, has been officially confirmed as a late-speaking guest. Musk is scheduled for a session alongside BlackRock CEO Larry Fink. This announcement has drawn attention from industry watchers, as Musk had previously abstained from participating in the annual event. The addition of the influential entrepreneur could bring a different perspective to the globally recognized gathering, which often sets the tone for upcoming trends in politics and business. Musk’s involvement is seen as notable due to his well-documented reservations about the forum and its perceived approach.
Reports from previous years noted Musk’s consistent refusal to appear at Davos, despite invitations dating back to at least 2015. He criticized the World Economic Forum as exclusive and questioned the value of its discussions. Although WEF once asserted Musk had not been invited since 2015, increased global interest in his initiatives and government ties led to renewed outreach and a public reversal of their earlier stance. His recent interactions with global policymakers and rollout of technologies like Starlink and Grok have kept him in the international spotlight, underscoring the potential impact of his upcoming session.
What Prompted the Last-Minute Invitation?
Organizers decided to finalize Musk’s participation shortly before the event. He was placed on a Thursday session with Larry Fink, marking his first public appearance at Davos. This late change came just after political ally Donald Trump addressed the forum, further heightening anticipation for Musk’s remarks. According to the organizers, Musk’s attendance helps reflect ongoing shifts in technological and political landscapes.
How Did Musk’s Relationship with Davos Develop Over Time?
Musk’s relationship with the Davos forum has been complicated, shaped by prior public criticisms. He had described the gathering as “boring” and characterized it as a “global unelected authority,” rejecting its traditional structure.
Musk once posted, “I was invited to WEF, but declined. Their speeches are not for me.”
Previous announcements from the forum stated there were no invitations after 2015, but greater focus on Musk’s recent projects prompted renewed engagement.
What Does Musk’s Presence Signal for the Forum?
Elon Musk’s inclusion brings additional visibility and potentially more nuanced viewpoints to a gathering known for influential policymaking. In recent years, his initiatives have figured prominently in discussions about technology and government, including SpaceX’s work with Starlink and xAI’s Grok being introduced in governmental contexts.
A WEF spokesperson commented, “Our doors remain open to influential voices in business and technology.”
This twinning of high-tech business and global policy is expected to influence the tone and content of Musk’s session.
Musk’s participation highlights the World Economic Forum’s effort to balance established players and critical voices. Previously, coverage emphasized tension between Musk and WEF, and questioned whether his technology ventures would ever directly engage with aspects of global policy discussed at the forum. With other leaders, including former U.S. officials, frequenting the event, Musk’s appearance adds a layer of unpredictability and shifts expectations compared to past years. Attendees and observers are keenly interested in seeing whether Musk’s presence leads to meaningful dialogue or simply underscores existing divisions. His history of public criticism and re-engagement with such forums also raises questions about how other influential figures might reconsider these types of global gatherings in the future. For readers tracking both innovation and politics, Musk’s trajectory offers a lens into changing norms around public participation and influence at major international events.
