What Davos 2026 Revealed

From January 19–23, 2026, the World Economic Forum convened in Davos, Switzerland. Among many significant discussions was a sobering conversation about the future of global employment. The question on the table: Are emerging markets—and advanced economies—approaching a critical employment juncture?

The projections presented pointed to a potential 800 million job deficit over the next 15 years. While this does not signal an immediate or universal “crash,” it does highlight a deep structural crisis—one driven by labor force growth far outpacing job creation, compounded by rapid AI adoption and the global green transition.

Projections From Davos 2026

According to discussions at Davos, this potential job crisis may take the form of:

• Massive job deficits

• AI and automation displacement

• Rising youth unemployment

All of these are important. But for me, AI and automation stand out the most.

Much of what I’ve read focuses on younger workers—largely because AI is increasingly capable of handling entry-level tasks. What seems to be missing from the conversation, at least from my perspective, is meaningful discussion about older workers, particularly those in IT and technology-adjacent fields.

I’ve personally experienced age discrimination. It’s illegal, of course, which means companies have simply found quieter, more sophisticated ways to avoid hiring older workers without appearing overtly ageist. So I can’t help but ask: Has there been real discussion about this at all?

The Longevity Economy and the 50+ Workforce

In Davos circles, this issue is increasingly framed as part of the “Longevity Economy”—a massive, parallel pillar of the global jobs conversation. The focus has shifted from retirement planning to workforce sustainability.

At WEF 2026, several key themes emerged around workers aged 50+:

The “Great Unretirement” and Economic Necessity

Rising living costs and changing pension realities are pushing many workers over 50 back into the workforce—not by choice alone, but by necessity.

The AI Reskilling Gap

It was highlighted that 39% of current job skills may be obsolete by 2030. Yet reskilling initiatives continue to focus disproportionately on younger “digital natives.” A digital native is someone born into the age of digital technology. Gen X, however, occupies a different space. We may not be digital natives, but we are digital immigrants—often the pioneers who adapted, built, and sustained early digital systems. We are computer-savvy, experienced, and deeply adaptable—qualities that are often underestimated.

Demographic Divergence

One of the most sobering discussions this year centered on the “super-ageing” of advanced economies. Business leaders were cautioned that ignoring the 50+ workforce isn’t just a social failure—it’s a looming labor shortage risk.

The Health–Productivity Link (this one resonated deeply with me)

A new focus for 2026 is what the WEF calls the “Great Health Productivity Reset.” Declining health remains the primary reason older workers exit the workforce prematurely.

The proposed initiative? Age-inclusive job design—flexible schedules, ergonomic remote setups, and meaningful healthcare support—to keep the 50+ population economically active longer.

Mitigating the Crisis

Despite the challenges, Davos 2026 highlighted several pathways to mitigate the crisis:

• Manufacturing shifts

• The green transition

• Five growth sectors:

  • Infrastructure

  • Healthcare

  • Agriculture

  • Tourism

  • Value-added manufacturing

• Skills and education reform—moving away from purely academic models toward technical and vocational training

• Expansion of the Longevity Economy

The Bottom Line

Emerging markets are not facing a uniform collapse, but rather a structural mismatch—where current economic models fail to generate enough jobs to meet demand.

While the youth crisis is about entry, the older worker crisis is about retention and evolution. At Davos, the 50+ workforce is no longer framed as a burden on pension systems, but as a vital, untapped asset necessary to address global talent shortages.

The 2026 outlook suggests that success will depend on rapid upskilling, entrepreneurship, thoughtful AI adoption, and—critically—supporting Gen X as we re-enter or remain in the workforce in ways that augment human labor rather than simply replace it.