Dalian hosted the 17th Annual Meeting of the New Champions from June 23 to 25, 2026, marking the ninth collaboration between the city and the World Economic Forum for Summer Davos. More than 1,700 participants from over 90 countries and regions gathered in the coastal city to explore new pathways for global economic development under the theme 'Innovating at Scale.' The event set a record high for registration, reflecting global interest in unlocking new growth models and unleashing positive economic momentum through innovation and cutting-edge technologies amid rapid global transformations.

Green Initiatives and Infrastructure

The forum upheld green principles throughout its duration, with the main venue powered entirely by 100% renewable electricity. More than 85% of the construction and decoration materials were recycled. To host global guests, Dalian enhanced its service support and infrastructure, utilizing new energy vehicles (NEVs) for the majority of conference transport and upgrading network capabilities at venues using 5G-A technology. This year's forum featured, for the first time, a same-floor layout for all meeting venues, an Interactive Space discussion format, and multiple live podcast sessions.

Innovation and Industrial Development

Dalian stands as an embodiment of 'innovation' and 'openness,' transforming from a traditional industrial base into a regional sci-tech innovation center with national influence. At Yinggeshi Science City, national-level researchers are making breakthroughs in frontier fields such as catalysis and high-end bearings. In the High-Tech Zone, numerous 'specialized, refined, unique, and innovative' (SRDI) enterprises are converting laboratory data into tangible products. Leveraging its geographic advantage of being surrounded by the sea on three sides, Dalian has steadily strengthened its clean energy industrial chain, with enterprises engaged in clean energy research and manufacturing clustering in the city.

Energy Transition and Global Trade

The city is a heavy industrial powerhouse contributing to the global energy transition. As a national petrochemical base, Dalian is using its research advantages and geographical position to drive traditional energy and chemical sectors toward a 'high-end, intelligent, and green' transformation. Backed by institutions like the Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics (DICP), the city is achieving breakthroughs in energy catalytic conversion and fine chemicals. Dalian has forged economic and trade ties with more than 200 countries and regions and is stepping up efforts to establish itself as an international hub for shipping, logistics, and finance in Northeast Asia.

Global Recognition and Future Outlook

Participants from around the world closely followed and highly praised China's achievements in developing new quality productive forces. They noted that China's innovation and openness have become a bright spot in addressing global economic uncertainties. Relevant officials from the World Economic Forum highly commended Dalian's longstanding support for the Annual Meeting of the New Champions, praising the city for its openness, vitality, and pragmatic sense of responsibility. The city is striving to build a modern coastal city that is livable, business-friendly, and tourism-oriented, with the slogan 'Come to Dalian to See the Sea' becoming one of its calling cards.