Summary of CNN Global Perspectives at The Ritz-Carlton, Bangkok Gathering 500 Leaders

CNN hosted the international forum Global Perspectives: In Bangkok for the first time in Asia on 14 October 2026 at The Ritz-Carlton, Bangkok hotel, attended by over 500 leaders and decision-makers from around the world. The event was held in an exclusive, invitation-only format to exchange in-depth perspectives on economic directions, trade policy, artificial intelligence and culture driving global change. On this occasion, Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya graciously attended the event, and Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul presided over the opening ceremony.

Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul welcomed attendees, stating that this forum builds on the success of last year's CNN Countdown programme. Providing a platform to hear diverse opinions enables all sectors to jointly discuss economic decisions that affect people's daily lives. Furthermore, it brings together differing perspectives to lead to practical approaches that deliver tangible results at an international level.

Global Leaders' Perspectives on the Economy, Trade and AI Advancements

The forum covered topics on the ideas driving beliefs, the forces shaping how we live and the future of the world, moderated by CNN anchors and correspondents Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Richard Quest, Kristie Lu Stout, Will Ripley and Hanako Montgomery. On the economic and energy front, Christine Lagarde, President of the European Central Bank, pointed out that the prolonged war between Russia and Ukraine continues to pressure oil refinery capacity, whilst the war in the Middle East that began in March 2026 has strained the supply and transport of oil as well as natural energy. Meanwhile, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organization, revealed in a conversation with Richard Quest that global trade is facing the largest disruption in the organisation's 80-year history, yet impressive resilience and adaptability remain evident in the trading system.

Regarding artificial intelligence, Anthony Tan, Chief Executive Officer of Grab, shared the view that AI is not directly taking human jobs, but people who actively embrace and use AI will replace those who refuse to learn or invest in self-development. In the area of creative culture, Maggie Kang, creator and co-director of the Oscar-winning film KPop Demon Hunters, spoke about Korean culture growing into the global mainstream through the series Squid Game and K-pop music. She noted that after Koreans spent a long time producing animation under contract for others, today marks an important time to create truly original animation of their own.

Partner Collaboration and Event Details

This forum was supported through collaboration with leading business partners and organisations, including B. Grimm, Dangote, JFOODO, Bank of America, Siam Piwat Group, Tencent and Central Pattana. In addition, government agencies including the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) jointly supported the hosting of the event in Thailand.

This news is of particular interest to event organisers and professionals in Thailand's MICE industry who wish to see approaches to hosting international conferences in collaboration with leading global organisations. Hotel professionals can study the standards for accommodating over 500 leadership-level attendees at The Ritz-Carlton, Bangkok to elevate conference venue services. Meanwhile, travellers and the general public can gain new perspectives on the direction of the global economy, trade, artificial intelligence and creative industries.