The House of Switzerland at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2026
January 20th to January 22nd, 2026
In 2026, Switzerland will once again be officially represented by a House of Switzerland during the 56th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos. For three days, the House of Switzerland will host a meeting space for official talks and informal exchanges between members of the Federal Council, the Swiss delegation and international guests and partners.
With its thematic events and meetings, the House of Switzerland helps to promote Switzerland's foreign policy interests and present Switzerland as an innovative and reliable country whose expertise makes a key contribution to overcoming global challenges.
At the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting, representatives from politics, business, science and civil society from over 100 countries come together in the heart of the Swiss Alps to discuss current global issues. For the Federal Council and the Swiss delegation, the Annual Meeting is a unique opportunity to meet and strengthen ties with public and private actors from around the world. The House of Switzerland acts as a key communication and networking hub for official Switzerland.
From 20 to 22 January 2026, Presence Switzerland of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), in collaboration with various institutional partners, is offering a diverse programme of events at the House of Switzerland Davos focusing on foreign policy topics. The programme is in keeping with the motto of the WEF's 56th Annual Meeting: 'A Spirit of Dialogue'.
The programme begins on Tuesday 20 January 2026, with an event organised by Switzerland's National Cyber Security Centre on the strategic and security-policy significance of new technologies. In parallel to this, the Canton of Basel-Stadt is organising an event on the global value chain in the pharmaceutical industry. The Permanent Mission of Switzerland to the UN in Geneva will then host a panel on the challenges and opportunities of the 'new era of multilateralism' and discuss how Geneva is using its expertise for more effective international cooperation.
On Wednesday 21 January 2026, the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) is organising an event examining how new approaches and financing models can foster resilience and ensure quicker and long-lasting responses to humanitarian crises. The Swiss Federal Office of Energy will be addressing how to ensure sufficient energy supply in the long term. In the afternoon, an event organised by the FDFA's Policy Planning Division will examine the use of AI as a method of strategic foresight. The event organised by the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI) will explore the future of human spaceflight, commercial space stations and sustainable growth in the space economy.
On Thursday 22 January 2026, there will be an event focusing on Apertus, Switzerland's first large language model, which contributes to transparent, generative AI. This will be followed by an event on global AI governance and the upcoming AI Impact Summit, organised by the Federal Office of Communications (OFCOM) and the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA). The Swiss embassy in India will discuss the ongoing development of international value chains with a special focus on India.
Information on other themed events at the House of Switzerland as well as details and registration information can be found in the programme.
The House of Switzerland at the WEF Annual Meeting in Davos is made possible by a long-standing cooperation with the Federal Office for Buildings and Logistics (FOBL). The FOBL contributes its experience in the areas of spatial design, logistics, and event and access management, as well as providing personnel support.
The House of Switzerland, located in the Eisstadion in the heart of Davos, offers a rich and varied programme. It is not only geographically, but also symbolically at the centre: as a place of exchange, as a meeting place for today's and tomorrow's decision-makers, and as a forge for ideas and innovations in an open and welcoming environment.
How to reach the House of Switzerland:
The event takes place here
Davos Hockey Stadium
Activities – The House of Switzerland at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2026
Global pharmaceutical value chain in the new world order
Tuesday, January 20, 202608:30-11:00
Location : Crystal Lounge
Organized by the Canton Basel-Stadt
Switzerland and Basel in particular have a very strong pharmaceutical and biotech industry. Tens of thousands of jobs, a major part of the economy, countless investments as well as R&D activities in both public and private sector are dependent on it.
- What impact will the new world order have on the global pharmaceutical value chain?- What is the best strategy for global pharmaceutical companies in this new world order and what role should governments play?
- What shifts will we be seeing in the global value chain? What scenarios exist?
- What does this mean for the US, EU and Switzerland in particular?
- What is the best strategy for nations like Switzerland in this new world order?
- Switzerland has built up a successful and vibrant start-up ecosystem, particularly in bio-tech, over the last 15 years. What impact will these tectonic shifts have on biotech startups? How should they react? How can governments best support biotechs under these changing framework conditions?
Welcome speech
- Conradin Cramer, President of the Canton Basel-Stadt
Opening Keynote
- Helene Budliger Artieda, State Secretary for Economic Affairs
Podium speakers
- Helene Budliger Artieda, State Secretary for Economic Affairs
- Kaspar Sutter, Councillor of the Canton of Basel-Stadt
- Severin Schwan, Chairman Roche
- Prof. Rolf Weder, International Economics, University of Basel
Moderation
- Olivia Kinghorst
The event is invite-only
Contact for event registration
Martin Stricker, Office of Economy and Labour, Canton of Basel-Stadt, martin.stricker@bs.ch
Contact for communication & media requests
Karin Sartorius, Office of Economy and Labour, Canton of Basel-Stadt, karin.sartorius@bs.ch
Geopolitics for Tech Supremacy: Policy, Practice and Partners in a Fragmented World
Tuesday, January 20, 202609:00-11:00
Location : Nordside
Organized by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) and digitalswitzerland
The session will look at the present challenges stemming from the current geopolitical tensions, the resulting struggles for technological supremacy and the growing concerns in regard to its effects on digital sovereignty. It will be kicked off by keynotes from senior people from government and industry, followed by a high-level panel, framing the current state. This will lead into three dedicated, interactive discussion rounds, open to the audience, each focusing on one of the following themes:
- geopolitics,
- technological supremacy and
- digital sovereignty
Welcome speech
- Florian Schütz, Director NCSC Switzerland
Moderation
- Thomas Holderegger, President of the National Cybersecurity Committee, digitalswitzerland
Contact for public information & event registration
- Marc Henauer, Senior International and Political Affairs Officer, marc.henauer@ncsc.admin.ch
Contact for communication & media requests:
- David Torcasso, Head of Communications & Marketing digitalswitzerland, david@digitalswitzerland.com
Transatlantic Talent Strategies: Swiss Insights for America’s Re-skilling Moment
Tuesday, January 20, 202611:45-13:30
Location : Nordside
Organized by Jobs for the Future with AON
Join Jobs for the Future (JFF), the Swiss Secretariat for Education, Research, and Innovation (SERI), and WEF partners at the House of Switzerland for a high-level briefing on how Switzerland’s talent development system—widely regarded as a global gold standard—has propelled the country’s economic dynamism and prepared its workforce for an AI-driven economy. Discover how Switzerland’s dual education and apprenticeship pathways—built on employer leadership, permeability, and “no dead ends”—deliver exceptional outcomes in equity, mobility, and workforce readiness. This session aligns directly with the WEF Reskilling Revolution and offers actionable insights for U.S. leaders shaping the future of work.
Contact for information, event registration & media requests:
Vinz Koller, Vice-President, Jobs for the Future, vkoller@jff.org, 831-277-4726
Global Digital Collaboration Council High Level Meeting
Tuesday, January 20, 202614:00-18:00
Location : Crystal Lounge
Organized by the Federal Office of Justice and the State Secretariat of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs
The Global Digital Collaboration is a platform for public-private engagement on technical and policy matters. The newly constituted GDC Council advances dialogue to support trusted and interoperable digital infrastructure—including wallets, credentials, payment systems, and the use of cybersecurity and AI in these contexts—by bringing together UN Member States, companies, Intergovernmental Organizations (IGOs), and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs).
Welcome remarks
- Chairs of the Global Digital Collaboration Council (Federative Republic of Brazil, World Bank Group, Google, International Air Transport Association)
Moderation
- Daniel Goldscheider, Secretary, GDC
Contact for information, event registration & media requests:
Rolf Rauschenbach, Communication Officer e-ID, rolf.rauschenbach@bj.admin.ch
Making Multilateralism Work for Humanity in a New Era
Tuesday, January 20, 202614:30-16:30
Location : Nordside
Organized by the Permanent Mission of Switzerland to the UN in Geneva
As multilateralism faces mounting geopolitical tensions, financial pressures and competing narratives, this high-level event will explore how global cooperation can adapt and remain effective. Building on Geneva’s unique ecosystem and the momentum of the UN80 reform, the discussion will assess current risks and opportunities, explore avenues to strengthen institutional agility, and highlight how innovation, new funding models and strategic partnerships can drive greater impact. The event will outline priorities for “Multilateralism 2.0” and concrete pathways for delivering global public goods despite constrained resources.
Welcome speech
- Guy Parmelin, President of the Swiss Confederation in 2026, Head of the Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research
Podium speakers:
- Ignazio Cassis, Federal Councillor, Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA)
- Nathalie Fontanet, Finance Minister, Canton of Geneva
- Other podium speakers to be confirmed
Moderation
- Dr. Adam Day, Head of UN University Office in Geneva
Contact for information, event registration & media requests:
- Ballenegger Frédéric, Communication Specialist, frederic.ballenegger@eda.admin.ch
New Space Economy: Swiss research and cooperation with Japan and other countries
Tuesday, January 20, 202619:00-21:00
Location : Crystal Lounge
Organized by the Swiss-Japanese Chamber of Commerce (SJCC)
The world is on the edge of an industrial revolution. In the future, companies will not only conduct research in space but also manufacture products there. Space research brings together fields such as Earth science, materials science, biology, medicine and physics. Its innovative potential is significant, leading to new industrial and commercial applications with enormous economic prospects.
The SJCC presents the New Space Economy in the context of Swiss and international research and cooperation, with a focus on collaboration with Japan and other countries. The event features prominent speakers from Switzerland, Japan and USA.
Welcome speech
- Martin Herb, President SJCC
Podium speakers
- Prof. Dr. Elisabeth Stark, Vice President Research UZH
- Prof. Dr. Dr. Oliver Ullrich, Chairman Director Center for Space and Aviation Switzerland and Liechtenstein (CSA)
- Marshall Smith, CEO, Starlab Space LLC
- Kohei Okamura. Director of Business Development, Starlab Space LLC (secondee from Mitsubishi Corporation
Moderation
- Martin Herb, President SJCC
Contact for public information, event registration & media requests
- Arisa Takata Herb, Director SJCC, info@sjcc.ch, +41 78 847 34 15
Orbital Perspective Dinner
Tuesday, January 20, 202619:00-22:00
Location : Nordside
Organized by the State Secretariat for Education, Research, and Innovation SERI and Switzerland Global Enterprise (S-GE)
High-level event bringing together space and non-space leaders to explore the future of human spaceflight, commercial space stations, and sustainable growth in the space economy, while showcasing Switzerland as a hub for innovation and collaboration.
This event is invite-only.
Contact for public information & media requests:
- Vanessa Motterle, invest@s-ge.com
Engaging the private sector in humanitarian contexts
Wednesday, January 21, 202610:00-13:00
Location : Nordside
Organized by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) with the World Economic Forum (HRI) and the Global Shapers Community
Humanitarian assistance is higher in demand than ever. How can new approaches and financing models foster resilience and ensure quicker and long-lasting responses to humanitarian crises?
The reliance on grants and donations to respond to humanitarian crises is no longer sufficient nor appropriate to foster long term resilience of affected populations. An approach that harnesses and incorporates the strengths of all actors, including the private sector, is needed.
Businesses can provide not only funding but also expertise, technology and deliver goods and services to address humanitarian needs in a swifter, more impactful and long-term way. Such an approach draws on impact-linked financing models that encourage cross-sector partnerships between the public and private sector.
Welcome speech
- Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, Federal Councillor, Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA)
Podium speakers
- Sheba Crocker, Managing Director, WEF (representing the Humanitarian and Resilience Investing Initiative - HRI)
- Philipp Navratil, CEO, Nestlé S.A.
- Tim Radjy, CEO and founder, AlphaMundi
- Josie Lianna Kaye, Chief Executive Officer & Founder, Trust Works
Moderation
- Christian Frutiger, Ambassador, Vice Director General SDC
Contact for public information & event registration:
Graf Susanna, Senior project management Communication Management SDC, susanna.graf@eda.admin.ch, +41 79 203 74 30
Redefining Energy Security
Wednesday, January 21, 202610:00-13:30
Location : Crystal Lounge
Organized by the Swiss Federal Office of Energy with the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), Switzerland Global Enterprise (S-GE), Swissmem, the Swiss Export Risk Insurance (SERV), and ETH Zurich. THE EVENT IS FULLY BOOKED
As global electricity demand is projected to increase considerably, vulnerabilities in supply chains are becoming a major risk – particularly for renewable energy generation, critical grid equipment and storage solutions. Dependence on specific suppliers, combined with the scarcity of certain materials and human capital, is generating supply chain bottlenecks. This situation is further exacerbated by the current uncertain geopolitical landscape and state budgetary constraints.
This discussion will explore how governments, industries, research institutions and investors can collaborate to secure and diversify supply chains, foster resilient technology ecosystems in the energy sector and jointly identify the right policy and investment instruments. By presenting concrete examples of pioneering actors from Switzerland and abroad, the discussion will examine the role of trade, industrial strategy, public-private partnerships, and innovation cooperation in shaping a secure energy future.
Welcome impulse
- Albert Rösti, Federal Councillor, Head of the Federal Department of the Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications, Switzerland
Opening Impulse
- Fatih Birol, Executive Director of the International Energy Agency IEA
Podium speakers
- Anna Fontcuberta i Morral, President ETH Lausanne
- Gina Domanig, Managing Partner and CEO, Emerald Technology Ventures
- Others
Closing Remarks
- Benoît Revaz, Director of the Swiss Federal Office of Energy
Moderation
- Chris Luebkeman, Dr., Leader of the Strategic Foresight Hub, Office of the President, ETH Zurich
THE EVENT IS FULLY BOOKED
Contact for information & media requests
- Dylan Jaton, Federal Council and Parliamentary Affairs Specialist, dylan.jaton@bfe.admin.ch
Building Resilient Infrastructure for a Changing World
Wednesday, January 21, 202614:00-16:00
Location : Nordside
Organized by Holcim with Swiss Re
As climate risks intensify, urban populations grow, and global competition sharpens, the need for resilient, low-carbon infrastructure and resource-efficient business models has become central to economic stability. Rising natural catastrophe losses and shifting geo-economic dynamics are putting pressure on infrastructure systems, supply chains, and energy networks, while demand for circular, future-ready solutions continue to accelerate.
Switzerland—home to world leaders in material innovation and risk expertise—is uniquely positioned to convene global actors at Davos to advance practical solutions for resilient infrastructure worldwide.
This event will bring together key actors shaping the next wave of competitive growth to explore practical pathways that strengthen resilience and enable the use of innovative, climate adapted and circular solutions.
Podium speakers:
- Miljan Gutovic, CEO, Holcim
- Ivan Gonzalez, CEO Corporate Solutions, Swiss Re
- Christian Ulbrich, CEO, JLL
- Marni McManus, CEO, Citi Switzerland
- Anna Fontcuberta i Morral, President, EPFL
Moderation
- Peter Vanham, Editorial Director, Fortune
Contact for public information & event registration:
- Mona Delluc, Global Public Positioning Manager, mona.delluc@holcim.com
Contact for communication & media requests:
- Dominic Elliott, Head of External Communications, dominic.elliott@holcim.com
Artificial Intelligence, Foresight and Strategy: Navigating Intelligence, Markets and Models
Wednesday, January 21, 202614:30-16:30
Location : Crystal Lounge
Organized by the Policy Planning Division of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) with the WEF Global Foresight Network
Exploring how AI can both enhance and complicate strategic foresight—strengthening signal detection and scenario building, while also introducing new risks, biases, and feedback loops.
Introductory remarks
- Jörg de Bernardi, Head of Policy Planning (FDFA)
Contact for public information & event registration & media requests:
- Roland Steininger, Senior Advisor Policy Planning, roland.steininger@eda.admin.ch
Contact for communication & media requests:
- Jörg De Bernardi, Head Policy Planning (FDFA), joerg.debernardi@eda.admin.ch
The Future Space Economy – Why no Company can Ignore it
Wednesday, January 21, 202617:30-19:30
Location : Crystal Lounge
Organized by the State Secretariat for Education, Research, and Innovation SERI and Switzerland Global Enterprise (S-GE)
The event will address how the fast‑growing space economy is not only relevant across industries but must also integrate the principle of sustainability to ensure long‑term benefits for business and society. Themes will include the future of human spaceflight and commercial space stations as platforms for research, innovation, and cross‑sector collaboration. The aim is to bring together space and non‑space actors, highlight Switzerland’s capabilities in the space sector, and position Switzerland as an attractive location for space companies. The event will conclude with networking to enable exchanges among participants.
Welcome speech
- State Secretary Prof. Dr. Martina Hirayama, State Secretary for Education, Research and Innovation
- Dr. Josef Aschbacher, ESA Director General
Podium speakers
- Dr. Samantha Cristoforetti, European Space Agency Astronaut
- Dr. Walther Pelzer, Director General of the German Space Agency at DLR
- Dr. Paul Bate, Chief Executive Officer at UK Space Agency
- Dr. Renato Krpoun Chair of ESA Council at Delegate Level, Head Swiss
- Dr. Jonathan W. Cirtain, Chief Executive Officer and President at Axiom Space
Moderation
- Liv Minder, Deputy Chief Investment Promotion Officer, Switzerland Global Enterprise
Contact for public information & event registration
Laurin Brüniger, Global Consultant - Investment Promotion, invest@s-ge.com
Apply for a seat: Link
Contact for communication & media requests:
- Teresa Rudolph, Scientific Advisor for Space Policy and Support, teresa.rudolph@sbfi.admin.ch, +41 79 481 56 20
Investing in Quality Unlocking Value in the Built Environment
Thursday, January 22, 202608:00-09:30
Location : Nordside
Organized by the Davos Baukultur Alliance with the World Economic Forum and the Swiss Federal Office of Culture
With growth a pressing concern worldwide,
delivering high quality buildings and infrastructure
is harder than ever. Yet quality shapes how
projects are financed and delivered and how
assets perform over time, creating value in the
short and long term for businesses, governments
and communities.
This session convenes leaders to examine the
business case for quality and chart practical ways
to unlock its value through aligned decisions.
Participants will consider steps that strengthen
investment and risk management, improve
collaboration across sectors and support the
communities these assets serve.
Welcome speech
- Oliver Martin, Head of Baukultur and Davos Baukultur Alliance Chair, Swiss Federal Office of Culture
Moderation
- Jeff Meritt, Head of Urban Transformation and Member of the Executive Committee, World Economic Forum
Contact for information, event registration & media requests:
- Thomas Alexander Selby, Lead, Davos Baukultur Alliance, thomas,selby@weforum.org, +41 79 372 45 18
- Stanislas Hillen, Specialist, Davos Baukultur Alliance, Stanislas.Hillen@weforum.org, +41 79 874 54 69
Contact for communication & media requests:
- Thomas Alexander Selby, thomas,selby@weforum.org, +41 79 372 45 18
Sovereign AI: From foundation to real world impact
Thursday, January 22, 202610:30-12:30
Location : Nordside
Organized by EPFL with ETH Zürich
As artificial intelligence rapidly reshapes economies and societies, the question is no longer whether to adopt AI, but how to build systems that serve public needs and democratic values. This session brings together experts to address two fundamental challenges:
The first panel examines why open, transparent, and multilingual AI models matter. Beyond serving as an alternative to closed commercial systems, such models can expand access, promote accountability, and enable innovation anchored in inclusivity. The discussion will highlight the value of openness—not only as a technical choice but as a societal one.
The second panel showcases how private-public collaboration and sovereignty can coexist to deliver real impact. Through a concrete case study, panelists will discuss how privacy-preserving AI infrastructure can transform our lives and advance the common good.
Welcome speech
- Anna Fontcuberta I Morral, President, EPFL
Contact for information, event registration & media requests
- Melissa Anchisi, Head of Communication AI, melissa.anchisi@epfl.ch, +41 21 693 42 08
Regionalization of Trade and Repositioning of Value-Chains: Opportunities and Challenges for foreign companies in India
Thursday, January 22, 202611:00-13:00
Location : Crystal Lounge
Organized by the Embassy of Switzerland in India, the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO and Switzerland Global Enterprise (S-GE)
The international trade system of the GATT/WTO era is under pressure. Many major economic powers implement policies which aim at getting investments instead of strengthening trade relations.
The result is a regionalization (near-shoring) of supply chains. New countries like India offer foreign companies not only the ability to produce at lower cost but also access to new markets through its growing net of FTAs. The question that arises is: 1) What opportunities and risks arise from this for companies and countries?
In addition, and from a geopolitical perspective, what does it mean for India. India plays a central role, not only economically but also politically, between the West and China and is also the Global South’s advocate. How do these economic and political changes relate to India's geopolitical positioning?
Contact for public information & event registration:
Florin Müller, Head Swiss Business Hub India, florin.mueller@eda.admin.ch, +91 86578 83457
Contact for media requests:
Deeksha Sharma, Communication specialist, Embassy of Switzerland in India, deeksha.sharma@eda.admin.ch,
+91 88606 91235
The AI Impact Summit as a road to open and inclusive AI governance
Thursday, January 22, 202613:30-15:30
Organized by the Federal Office of Communications (OFCOM) and the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA)
The session sets the tone for the upcoming 2026 AI Impact Summit in India. As the influence and diffusion of AI broadens, there is growing recognition that both the challenges and the opportunities of AI need to be addressed in a globally coordinated manner. The Summit will be a defining moment for shaping global AI governance to respond to this task.
The session aims to explore how the AI Summit in India can contribute to an emerging framework of international dialogue on AI governance and ways in which it might shape global norms, foster cooperation and advance open, transparent and inclusive processes. The discussions should highlight the overall ambition of the AI Impact Summit and give insights into the ongoing work that is being advanced in three of the seven Chakras (Inclusion for Social Development, Safe and trusted AI and Democratizing AI Resources).
The session also aims to highlight the strategic partnership between India and Switzerland, highlighting the complementary strengths of our two countries and how it can accelerate an inclusive AI governance. India has established itself as the driving force behind a new global vision for equitable, inclusive and trusted AI, rooted in the country’s leadership in Digital Public Infrastructure, its G20 Presidency legacy, and its role as a bridge between advanced economies and the Global South. Switzerland complements this with its capacities and skills as a trusted multilateral convenor and steward of global governance ecosystems. Building on their respective strengths, India and Switzerland are working in tandem to advance global AI governance, ensuring continuity and carrying the momentum of the 2026 AI Impact Summit in New Delhi forward into the 2027 AI Summit in Geneva.
Welcome speech
- Albert Rösti, Federal Councillor, Head of Department of Transport, Energy and Communications
Podium speakers
- Ambassador Thomas Schneider, Head of International Relations, OFCOM
- Others to be confirmed
Closing remarks
- Alexandre Fasel, State Secretary at the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs
Moderation
- Ayisha Piotti, Head of Zurich AI Policy Summit
Contact for public information & event registration:
- Elisabeth Stingelin, elisabeth.stingelin@eda.admin.ch
Contact for communication & media requests:
- Andrin Eichin, andrin.eichin@bakom.admin.ch
Restoring Human Function: Through Neurotechnology & Rehabilitation Innovation
Thursday, January 22, 202614:00-16:00
Location : Crystal Lounge
Organized by EPFL
Advances in neurotechnology and rehabilitation engineering are redefining what is possible for people with neurological injuries and disorders. Breakthroughs across research, clinical translation, and industry now offer new opportunities to restore sensory, cognitive, and motor functions once thought irreversibly lost. This session will examine how cutting-edge neurotechnologies can move from the lab to scalable, accessible solutions worldwide, while also integrating the ethical, societal, and regulatory considerations essential for responsible global deployment.
Welcome speech
- Stéphanie Lacour, Vice Presidency for Support to Strategic Initiatives, EPFL
Contact for public information & event registration
Margot Zbinden, Project Manager, margot.zbinden@epfl.ch, + 41 75 434 27 97
Contact for communication & media requests
Gaël Hurlimann, Head of Communication, gael.hurlimann@epfl.ch, + 41 76 570 14 76
