Davos 2016: What's on world leaders' agenda at star-studded World Economic Forum?

World leaders, Nobel laureates and Hollywood stars have aligned once again for the World Economic Forum, a four-day event in the Alpine resort of Davos, which this year could prove critical to Britain's future in Europe and acceptance of refugees.

The mountain-based gathering comes with the global economy delicately poised amid the slowdown in China, the contraction of the Brazilian economy and collapsing oil prices.

Along with the stardust and walking robots there are also some weighty humanitarian topics to be debated by the power set.

Here are the key themes that are set to dominate the 2016 Forum along with Britain's role in the event:

Refugee crisis

Syrians receive aid packages at a Jordanian refugee camp on the day the world elite debate their future in Switzerland. Credit: Reuters

Europe's handling of refugees is due to be among the main topics of conversations at the forum, with five events scheduled, including a one-on-one discussion between Davos host Klaus Schwab and German president Joachim Gauck.

The news that the European Commission wants to change rules that currently mean refugees must claim asylum in the first country they arrive in is likely to help shape debate, while complicating David Cameron's bid for EU reform.

Scrapping the so-called Dublin regulation - seen as the lynchpin of the EU's asylum system - could leave the UK and other northern European countries more open to migration flows.

Ironically the migration issue has prevented German Chancellor Angela Merkel from travelling as usual to join the Davos discussions. She is fighting to protect her refugee policy in the face of growing opposition at home.

Former Labour MP David Miliband, who now heads the International Rescue Committee, will be among a panel debating refugee policy on Friday.

Future technologies

Facebook's Sheryl Sandberg addressed a Davos session entitled 'The Transformation of Tomorrow'. Credit: Reuters

The dominant issues surrounding migration have usurped the official 2016 theme of technology or "Mastering The Fourth Industrial Revolution" as Davos has billed it.

Tech execs including Google boss Eric Schmidt and Facebook ceo Sheryl Sandberg will take to the stage to discuss the role technology can play to shape the global economy.

Robotic advances are also being showcased on site.

Global slowdown amid China crisis?

Weak quarterly economic data has strengthened market expectations the Chinese government will unveil more stimulus moves. Credit: Reuters

While fears of another global crisis like 2008 do not abound in Davos many economists remain worried that the recovery witnessed over the last eight years could be set back once again.

The market volatility in China, trouble in Brazilian and Russian economies and decline in oil prices have raised the spectre of a slowdown in the world economy.

Of particular interest will be China's vice-president Li Yuanchao's address to the congress on Thursday afternoon.

Traditional topics like the rise and fall of interest rates - otherwise known as monetary policy divergence - will obviously be up for debate once more.

Terror and international tensions

Iraqi security forces stand with an Islamic State flag which they pulled down in the city of Ramadi. Credit: Reuters

The strategy in the ongoing battle with the so-called Islamic State in Iraq and Syria and the response to the spate of global atrocities - most notably the November's Paris attacks - will be discussed along with the rise in tensions between Iran and Saudi Arabia.

While Iran's president is not attending as he did two years ago, the republic's foreign minister is in town and will be pressed on all matters pertaining to oil.

The strategy in the ongoing battle with the so-called Islamic State in Iraq and Syria and the response to the spate of global atrocities - most notably the November's Paris attacks - will be discussed along with the rise in tensions between Iran and Saudi Arabia.

While Iran's president is not attending as he did two years ago, the republic's foreign minister is in town and will be pressed on all matters pertaining to oil.

Climate change and sustainable development

Oscar nominee Leonardo DiCaprio kicked off the forum with a speech after receiving an award alongside pop star Will.i.am for their socially responsible work. Credit: Reuters

Following on from the recent Paris climate agreement, climate change and sustainable development issues will be discussed with former US vice-president Al Gore contributing to several panels.

Oscar nominee DiCaprio was honoured for his work on climate change and launched a critical attack on the "corporate greed" of coal, oil and gas companies.

U2 frontman Bono is also expected to offer their thoughts on the topic.

Trading on Britain's role in the EU

David Cameron and George Osborne are set for critical talks as horse trading leading to the renegotiation of Britain's role in the EU gathers pace. Credit: PA Images

David Cameron and George Osborne are both scheduled to attend Davos with the Prime Minister set to make a keynote address focused on Britain's relationship with the EU ahead of next month's crunch EU summit.

Mr Cameron will call for more action on the Syria migrant crisis before a series of talks away from the cameras on the sidelines of the Swiss forum.

The PM and his representatives are bidding to negotiate the UK's role within the continent's power base in the face of the Brexit campaign ahead of this year's in-out referendum.

Mr Cameron will also hold a joint event with Queen Rania of Jordan on Friday morning encouraging business and political leaders to take "practical steps" to create jobs.

The government of Jordan, one of the countries most affected by the exodus of refugees from Syria, has already asked the EU to reduce duty on exports.

Mr Cameron is expected to raise the issue during meetings with European leaders, and wants new rules in force by this summer.

After leaving Switzerland, the PM will stop for more EU talks in Prague before returning to the UK.