From January 20 to 24, 2025, the annual World Economic Forum (WEF) will take place in Davos – a summit that attracts the world’s state leaders, leading business figures, and politicians. In light of the global geopolitical tensions and the prominent guests, a massive security effort will be undertaken this year as well. The police and the army have presented their plans and preparations for the major event.
The security measures are particularly strict this year, not least due to the geopolitical situation, which is further strained by the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, as well as by attacks, such as the one on the Christmas market in Magdeburg. On Friday, the responsible commanders, Colonel Walter Schlegel, Commander of the Graubünden Cantonal Police, and Divisionary Maurizio Dattrino, responsible for the army, provided detailed information on the security policy.
A comprehensive security dispositif
The security concept for the WEF is nationwide in scope. All police corps in Switzerland are integrated into the security network, supported by around 5,000 military personnel, who are on standby for assistance. About half of these troops will be stationed directly in and around Davos, while the other half will be decentralized to further secure the country.
Another highlight of the security measures is the special transport of high-ranking personalities. People with high protection status, such as heads of state and business leaders, will be flown to Davos by helicopter. This not only ensures a quick but above all a safe arrival.
Besides the already high number of security forces, the list of invited guests is also causing international attention. Donald Trump will deliver an online speech on January 23, while Vladimir Zelensky will travel to Davos in person. Other well-known faces include EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Chinese Vice-Premier Ding Xuexiang, and Argentine President Javier Milei.
The WEF in Davos is still one of the most important meetings worldwide, where it’s not just about economy and politics, but also about the safety of the participants. With a massive security team from the police and the army, the event will be a true masterpiece of logistics. Amid the global tensions, the forum remains an important platform to find solutions for the pressing challenges of the world – and Switzerland is once again showing how well it can organize such events securely and efficiently.