In anticipation of the upcoming World Economic Forum (WEF) scheduled for January 15-19, the Swiss Defense Ministry revealed on Monday that up to 5,000 members of the armed forces will be deployed to ensure the security of the prestigious event in Davos.
The primary focus of military deployment will be in the Landwasser Valley within the Davos region, as disclosed by the ministry. Additionally, armed forces personnel will be stationed throughout Switzerland, contributing to air sovereignty, logistics, and command support during the annual WEF gathering.
The Swiss parliament had previously sanctioned the budget for army deployment at the WEF Annual Meetings for the years 2022 through 2024. The approved budget amounts to 2.55 million Swiss francs, approximately $2.99 million, for each year. Notably, this marks a reduction in the financial burden on the Swiss government, as the WEF’s private foundation has increased its contribution towards covering security expenses.
The responsibility for coordinating the deployment of armed forces falls under the jurisdiction of the civilian authorities of the Swiss canton of Graubunden, where Davos is situated. While the military takes charge of air sovereignty, the air force is tasked with enhancing the air police service and conducting surveillance flights. The Swiss Air Force collaborates closely with counterparts from Austria and Italy to safeguard the airspace, as outlined by the Defense Ministry.
Davos has historically witnessed protests during the WEF, with last year’s event witnessing over 600 climate activists marching in support of climate justice. Notably, participants faced disruptions when climate activists briefly obstructed St. Gallen-Altenrhein Airport to express their opposition to the WEF. These incidents underscore the ongoing challenges in managing security and public dissent during the high-profile economic summit.
