20 May 2022 | 11:24 AM UTC
Switzerland: WEF to hold its annual meeting in Davos May 22-26
WEF to hold its annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland, May 22-26; tight security measures, protest activity likely.
Event
The World Economic Forum (WEF) is holding its annual meeting in Davos May 22-26; the main venue will be the Davos Congress Centre, though related events will be held in several other venues throughout the town. Heads of state and senior government officials from several countries will travel to Davos to attend the meeting. Swiss authorities are implementing tight security measures throughout the town to facilitate the event. Several groups have confirmed their intent to protest in Davos and other Swiss cities.
Security services implement the majority of enhanced security measures throughout Davos May 21-27. These include deploying thousands of additional security personnel to the town, likely checkpoints on routes into Davos, and restricting traffic on certain roads in the town center. Authorities will also implement security zones that may only be accessed by individuals with the appropriate accreditation; these include the areas around the Davos Congress Centre, The Hotel Seehof, and the Alpengold Hotel. Authorities will also implement increased security measures around transport hubs including Davos Dorf and Davos Platz train stations in addition to nearby airports, in particular Zurich Airport (ZRH). Sporadic disruptions are likely on major routes into Davos for the duration of the event as authorities escort attendees to and from the meeting.
Several activist groups intend to protest against the event for environmental, social, and economic criticisms of the WEF. In Davos, authorities have granted permission for three demonstrations during the event, all at Davos Postplatz. These demonstrations will be tightly policed, with attendance limits strictly enforced and activists not permitted outside the approved area:
May 22: Up to 500 activists from the Strike-WEF Collective and the Young Socialists of Switzerland will demonstrate from 15:00.
May 23: Up to 40 activists will demonstrate in support of the Cambodian Prime Minister; time not confirmed.
May 26: Up to 500 environmental activists will demonstrate from 11:00.
Activists will also stage anti-WEF demonstrations in other cities during the event. The following actions are confirmed:
May 20 - Zurich: Stadelhofen from 20:00
May 21 - Bern: Bern Central Station from 15:00
Further protests are likely in additional locations nationwide through May 26. Attendance could reach into the thousands. Large crowds and related security measures will likely prompt localized business and transport disruptions in surrounding areas. Most demonstrations are likely to pass off peacefully though isolated clashes with police are possible, particularly if activists attempt to breach any security cordons.
Advice
Check routes status and public transport services before traveling to Davos and allow additional travel time. Heed all instructions from security services. Avoid all protests as a routine security precaution and to mitigate associated disruptions.
