Last month, Barry University student Josiah Manners attended the 2026 World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland where he joined leaders and innovators from around the world during a defining moment in history. It was an experience that redefined how he thinks about the future and his place in molding what comes next.

Josiah’s path to Davos began at Barry University. Through his involvement with the Student Managed Investment Fund (SMIF) and conversations with the SMIF Faculty Advisor, Dr. Stephen Morrell, he was introduced to the World Economic Forum and its role in shaping global economic and policy conversations.

While preparing to study abroad in France this spring, Josiah began researching ways to connect with the Forum. From there he discovered the World Economic Forum’s Open Forum which is a special track of the Annual Meeting designed to engage a broader audience. He applied and, after a rigorous clearance process, was accepted to attend in mid-December.

Josiah attended sessions that explored topics ranging from space innovation and quantum reality to how leaders are staying grounded in uncertain times. While each session offered valuable insight, a consistent theme emerged for Josiah. He shared that today’s challenges are not merely technical or exclusively analytical but deeply human.

Some of Josiah’s most meaningful takeaways came outside of the formal sessions. In hallways, on shuttle rides, and between events, he found himself in casual conversations with diplomats, business leaders, and changemakers. What often began as a simple introduction quickly turned into thoughtful discussions about global issues, opportunity, and shared responsibility.

These moments, referred to as #chanceconversations, are a defining part of the Davos experience. This reinforces the fact that progress does not only happen in boardrooms or on main stages. It also happens through everyday conversations, when people take the time to listen, stay curious, and connect.