World Economic Forum 2026: Davos on high alert as global leaders and CEOs converge

The alpine resort town of Davos has become one of the world’s most heavily secured locations this week as it hosts the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting 2026 from January 19 to 23 , bringing together global political leaders, top corporate executives and influential policymakers for the five-day summit.

More than 5,000 armed forces personnel , supported by snipers positioned at strategic locations, AI-enabled surveillance drones and advanced counter-espionage systems, have been deployed to protect the high-profile event. Security checks are in place across the town, with random inspections reflecting heightened vigilance amid the presence of world leaders and business elites.

Founded in 1971, the World Economic Forum has evolved into a key platform for shaping global economic and policy discourse. Each year, Davos becomes a meeting point where governments, corporations and international institutions discuss emerging risks, investment opportunities and strategies to address global challenges. Outcomes and conversations at WEF often influence policy direction, capital flows and corporate strategies worldwide.

This year’s discussions are centred on global economic resilience, geopolitical fragmentation, artificial intelligence governance, climate transition, energy security, supply-chain realignment and inclusive growth . With the global economy navigating slower growth, rising debt and technological disruption, leaders are expected to explore ways to balance innovation with stability and sustainability.

Over 400 political leaders , including at least 64 heads of state or government , are attending the meeting, alongside more than 1,000 CEOs , senior executives from multinational companies, leaders of civil society, academics and representatives of global institutions such as the United Nations, IMF, World Bank, WTO and NATO. Around 500 journalists are present to cover the event.

India has sent a high-level and diverse delegation to Davos, underscoring its growing importance in the global economic landscape. Several Union ministers are participating in discussions on infrastructure development, energy transition, digital public infrastructure and global trade.

Indian corporate leadership is also well represented, with prominent business leaders from sectors such as technology, manufacturing, finance, telecom and renewable energy engaging with global investors and policymakers. The Indian delegation is expected to highlight the country’s growth prospects, manufacturing push, digital innovation and opportunities for foreign investment.

In addition, chief ministers from multiple Indian states are attending the summit to promote their regions as investment destinations, holding bilateral meetings with global corporations and sovereign funds.

Given the concentration of internationally protected persons estimated at 200 to 300 Swiss authorities have imposed strict security protocols, including temporary airspace restrictions over Davos. Helicopter movements, drones, paragliders and other aerial activities are tightly regulated during the event.

The Swiss government estimates that additional security costs for WEF 2026 will be about CHF 9 million , shared among the federal government, the WEF Foundation, the Canton of Graubünden and the municipality of Davos under a predefined cost-sharing arrangement. Deployments of the armed forces fall within an annual budget of CHF 32 million, with recent years seeing spending remain below allocated levels.

Authorities have acknowledged plans for protests by environmental and anti-capitalist groups. While Switzerland permits demonstrations, organisers are required to obtain prior approval and coordinate with officials to ensure public safety and uninterrupted movement. Unauthorised protests will be dealt with in accordance with Swiss law.

As Davos once again becomes the focal point of global economic dialogue, the WEF 2026 meeting is set against a backdrop of heightened security, geopolitical uncertainty and rapid technological change reinforcing its role as a critical forum where the world’s economic and political future is debated.