Davos Transforms into Fortress for World Economic Forum Summit
The small Swiss town of Davos is experiencing unprecedented security measures this week. Over five thousand armed forces personnel have deployed across the scenic skiing resort. Snipers occupy strategic vantage points while AI-powered drones patrol the skies. Authorities are using special tools to counter potential spyware and espionage attempts. This massive security operation coincides with the arrival of global elites for the five-day World Economic Forum Annual Meeting.
A Sea of Security Amidst Business Suits
As attendees descend upon the snow-clad town, the usual black business suits are now accompanied by a striking array of colored jackets. You can see the blue, black, and yellow hues worn by army, police, and other security personnel. Checks are common at all entry points and occur randomly throughout Davos. This heightened vigilance responds directly to the high-profile nature of the event's participants.
More than four hundred political leaders from across the globe are attending. This impressive group includes at least sixty-four heads of state or government. The list features top leaders like US President Donald Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen are also present. Chinese Vice-Premier He Lifeng, Swiss President Guy Parmelin, and Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have joined the gathering.
Palestinian National Authority Prime Minister Mohammed Mustafa and Israeli President Isaac Herzog are attending. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy completes this notable roster of world leaders.
Diverse Gathering of Global Influencers
Beyond political figures, the forum attracts over a thousand chief executive officers. Members of civil society, labour representatives, and faith-based organizations participate actively. Cultural luminaries and social entrepreneurs contribute to discussions alongside academics, experts, and think tank representatives.
Heads of major international organizations are taking part in the proceedings. The chiefs of the United Nations, World Trade Organization, and World Bank are present. International Monetary Fund and NATO leaders are attending alongside World Health Organization officials. United Nations Development Programme and OECD representatives are participating. The UN High Commissioner for Refugees and Gulf Cooperation Council leaders complete this influential group.
Approximately two hundred to three hundred internationally protected persons require special security consideration. This category includes heads of state and government, ministers, and high-level representatives of international organizations. More than five hundred journalists have arrived to cover the event from various media outlets worldwide.
Protest Concerns and Security Protocols
Security agencies face additional concerns from planned protests during the summit. Anti-capitalist and environmental activists have already organized demonstrations. The Swiss government states authorities are willing to authorize protests under specific conditions. Organizers must respect requirements to protect people, infrastructure, and property.
Detailed arrangements need finalization between protest organizers and authorities before any demonstration proceeds. If protests occur without proper authorization, authorities will take necessary measures. Their actions will ensure security and freedom of movement for residents and guests. All responses will adhere strictly to the principle of proportionality. The government emphasizes that those committing criminal offences will face prosecution.
Substantial Financial Commitments for Security
The Swiss government estimates additional security costs for the WEF Annual Meeting 2026 at around nine million Swiss francs overall. A three-tier finance model governs contributions for security measures from 2025 through 2027. The World Economic Forum Foundation bears fifty percent of these costs. The Swiss federal government contributes twenty-five percent while the Canton of Graubunden provides 21.67 percent.
The commune of Davos covers 3.33 percent of security expenses. Klosters will contribute one hundred thousand Swiss francs toward Davos's share of the costs. Annual budgets for armed forces deployments during the meeting reach thirty-two million Swiss francs. Recent years have seen deployment costs remaining under budget. Expenditures totaled 26.84 million francs in 2024 and 24.64 million francs in 2025.
Coordinated Security Operations
Multiple agencies collaborate closely to ensure comprehensive security coverage. Federal government entities work alongside canton and commune authorities from Davos. The World Economic Forum coordinates with all these security partners. Graubunden cantonal police and their partners bear primary responsibility for visitor safety. They protect attendees of the WEF Annual Meeting alongside local residents and guests.
The government has already imposed significant security restrictions on airspace over Davos. These measures safeguard national air sovereignty during the sensitive summit period. If necessary, authorities can order and execute aerial policing measures following international rules and procedures. Helicopter traffic to Davos requires strict control throughout the WEF Annual Meeting. Restrictions extend to paragliders, drones, model aircraft, and similar aerial devices.
