Following the WEF meeting scheduled from January 18 to 24 in the Swiss resort town of Davos, Soren will deliver a special lecture at the Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford

Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren will participate in the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting at Davos later this month and subsequently visit the United Kingdom, marking the state’s first-ever presence at the global economic forum. An official on Thursday said the visit is aimed at strengthening Jharkhand’s global partnerships and enhancing its international profile.

Following the WEF meeting scheduled from January 18 to 24 in the Swiss resort town of Davos, Soren will deliver a special lecture at the Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford. He is set to become the first chief minister from India to address the prestigious institution, which is globally recognised for public policy and governance studies. The lecture will be followed by an interactive question-and-answer session with students and faculty.

Jharkhand’s participation in Davos assumes added significance as it coincides with 25 years of the state’s formation. Officials described the engagement as a milestone in the state’s development journey, signalling its intent to position itself on global platforms and attract long-term partnerships as it enters a new phase of economic growth.

The state’s presence at the WEF is anchored in the theme “Growth in Harmony with Nature,” aligning with the forum’s 2026 focus on sustainable growth, resilience and long-term economic transformation. Jharkhand’s development strategy, officials said, seeks to balance economic expansion with ecological responsibility and social inclusion, while drawing upon the state’s natural resources and indigenous heritage.

During the Davos meeting, the Jharkhand delegation will take part in thematic sessions, structured dialogues and official interactions at the India Pavilion and other platforms. The discussions will focus on investment promotion, responsible resource governance, sustainable industrial development, critical minerals, energy transition and long-term regional growth, highlighting the role of states in building inclusive and resilient economic models.

Several Indian leaders will also attend the WEF meeting, including Union ministers Ashwini Vaishnaw, Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Pralhad Joshi, along with chief ministers from Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Madhya Pradesh and Telangana.

After Davos, the Soren-led delegation will travel to the United Kingdom, covering London and Oxford. The UK visit will focus on investment outreach, academic engagement, policy collaboration and interaction with the Indian diaspora, in the context of the evolving India–UK economic partnership.

Officials said the overall objective of the visit is to boost Jharkhand’s global visibility, deepen international cooperation and support employment generation, industrial development and sustainable economic growth in the state.