In a first, Hemant to lead Jharkhand delegation at World Economic Forum meet in Davos

Ranchi: In a first, a delegation from Jharkhand will attend the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) which will be held in Davos in Switzerland later this month.

Chief minister Hemant Soren will lead the delegation at the meeting, scheduled between January 19-23. The delegation will then travel to the United Kingdom. The visits, the state govt said, are aimed at fetching foreign investments to Jharkhand and gathering perspective for long-term development.

A statement issued by the state information and public relations department (IPRD) said, “The visit assumes significance as it coincides with 25 years of Jharkhand’s statehood and marks Jharkhand’s first-ever participation at the WEF The engagement reflects the state’s intent to position itself on global platforms as it enters the next phase of its long-term development journey.”

The state govt has also set up a website, www.jharkhandatdavos.co.in,for inviting online applications for investments, tie-up and sharing relevant details about the state.

Jharkhand’s participation at Davos is anchored in the theme “Growth in Harmony with Nature”, which aligns closely with the WEF’s 2026 focus on sustainable growth, resilience, trust, and long-term economic transformation.

The state’s development approach emphasises balancing economic growth with ecological responsibility and social inclusion, drawing upon Jharkhand’s natural resources and indigenous heritage.

During the meet, the delegation will participate in state-led thematic sessions, structured dialogues, and official interactions at the India Pavilion and other WEF platforms. These engagements will focus on investment promotion, responsible resource governance, sustainable industrial development, critical minerals, energy transition, and long-term regional growth, while highlighting the role of sub-national govts in advancing inclusive and resilient economic models. “The UK leg of the visit will focus on investment outreach, policy and institutional collaboration, academic engagements, and interaction with the Indian diaspora, in the context of the evolving India–UK economic partnership,” the statement read.

“CM will also deliver a special lecture followed by a Q&A session at the Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford, one of the world’s leading schools of public policy and governance. Discussions during the UK visit will also explore avenues for knowledge exchange, innovation-led collaboration, education and skilling partnerships, and strengthening long-term Jharkhand–UK cooperation,” it added.