How the world’s leading CEOs are defining the next era of corporate accountability and leadership

Tuesday 20 January 2026 09:30-11:00 CET

OCEAN ROOM

The future is precarious. For people and for the planet. The need for action is inescapable. And there’s no pathway towards any stable, sustainable future without companies changing.

The world’s 2000 most influential companies account for over 46% of global GDP, 54% of global emissions, represent revenues of USD 48 trillion, and employ 99 million people directly. Let alone the hundreds of millions of people they reach daily through their value and supply chains. Their collective power is undisputed − their decisions can help drive climate solutions, restore nature, and ensure prosperity for all.

In a turbulent and ever-changing world, expectations for business are less clear cut. Yet business leaders still want to have a positive impact without compromising their performance. To build resilience amidst uncertainty. For regulation to support viable change.

The World Benchmarking Alliance (WBA) provides rigorous, consistent data and insight to support and enable efforts to accelerate positive change. That’s why in January 2026 we will simultaneously publish the assessments and rankings of these 2000 companies to spotlight leadership, identify good practices, reveal the urgent gaps that should be addressed, and highlight the priorities for building a stable and sustainable future.

WBA will convene a high-level event during the World Economic Forum in January 2026. This event will bring together business leaders, investors, civil society and governments to clarify the expectations for the private sector in how it can build resilience and lead positive change in an increasingly uncertain and complex world.

You will be among the first to gain insights from top company executives and other leading voices as they share what corporate responsibility means to them. How does taking the lead on sustainability enable innovation, strengthen brand value, mitigate risks, and provide new avenues for growth? What is it that they are doing that leads to resilience and positive change?

Bold leadership from CEOs and Boards is vital to sustainable business transformation that meets stakeholder expectations and leads to positive change towards a future where both people and planet thrive.