Davos 2026: Special address by Guy Parmelin, President of the Swiss Confederation  

The following is translated from French.

Mr. Hoffman, Mr. Fink, Mr Brende, excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, as President of the Swiss Confederation, I'm particularly happy to welcome so many heads of state to this Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum.

This is particularly meaningful in a year which started with a tragedy for our nation, and Switzerland would like to thank all of the nations concerned for the support and solidarity they expressed during the disaster in Crans-Montana. It is impressive to see how energies can be mobilized by such a disaster, how it can strengthen international cohesiveness and unity. This must go beyond, of course, the particular dramatic events; it must pervade the relationships between our countries, because it is only together that we can find solid and lasting solutions to the major challenges of our time.

2025 offered up a number of challenges, geopolitical, economic and digital upheavals on a global scale. They can be seen everywhere, they permeate our daily lives, and even extend to the World Economic Forum, for which the past year was not a walk in the park. This edition, with its many distinguished guests, attests to the importance of resilience and dialogue in the bedrock of our institutions and their ability to cope.

2026 has barely started, yet there are indications of upheavals to come, and potential flashpoints: Ukraine, Gaza, Sudan, and now Venezuela and Iran, to name but a few. In terms of economic policy, protectionism is on the rise all over the world. In addition, there are many unresolved issues about the role and control of artificial intelligence that remain unanswered. This should come as no surprise. For humans, standing still is not an option. Or to quote philosopher Henri Bergson: "to exist is to change".

This year will be marked by technological advances as well as economic and security concerns. The rapid rise of AI is set to deeply transform the fabric of our societies. The changes it brings will be visible at every turn and in every area of human life: the economy, the government, in our day-to-day lives. They're changing the way we work, communicate, and make decisions. As such, they present both risks and opportunities. Digital transformation will bring the dangers of cybercrime, disinformation, but also exciting prospects, particularly in the field of healthcare.

Technology is never inherently good or bad; it is what we make it, and to make it a positive ally, its users must have a deep sense of responsibility. Change is not just a matter of speed. As economic affairs minister trained in the school of life, I am well-placed to explain that lasting success depends on early and forward planning. This is a rule that applies to many other sectors, where investments do not generate immediate returns. I'm thinking of research, which also falls under my remit as minister.

Long-term thinking is necessary in any situation. It is particularly necessary in times of upheaval. It can help us to drive progress while remaining true to our fundamental values without forgetting their meaning or their role.

Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, Switzerland draws its strength from the consistency that helps to ensure political stability. Consistency is not a source of stagnation; on the contrary, it is the foundation of progress. Our country is fortunate enough to have an excellent education and research system with a capacity for innovation recognized far beyond its borders. With its open, export-oriented economy, Switzerland is an integral part of the global economy.

The Federal Council is deeply committed to ensuring that our country can continue to participate successfully in the vitality of that economy. One of our current priorities is to stabilize and expand relationships with our most loyal and significant partners. Switzerland also wishes to continue to diversify its international relations, particularly in the areas of trade and science. Even in the current climate, which is prone to protectionism, we believe in the success of free trade and wish to continue expanding our networks of agreement.

To achieve this, we must be able to conduct negotiations on an equal footing, yielding good results for the benefit of all parties. Agreements of this kind, which are mutually beneficial, don't happen by chance. We have the ability to build them patiently, one step at a time. Personal contacts and a willingness to engage in dialogue are essential – and we have both.

The World Economic Forum has always contributed to this dialogue, and I would like to thank it for offering us, in Switzerland, once again this year, an extraordinary international platform for exchange. Switzerland is in tune with this; as a neutral nation, it is able and willing to assume its responsibilities in favour of a rules-based international order, international law, human rights and free trade. These values have always defined us.

This year, Switzerland is taking on a particularly demanding task in chairing the OSCE, the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe. However, our country's diplomatic strength also lies in its recognized practice of good offices, for which international Geneva provides a stage commensurate with the challenge at hand. Switzerland is always available to play a part.

Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, our different positions offer us unparalleled prospects on the evolution of our world and the dangers that threaten it. They also provide us with the necessary overview and connections to address these changes with the appropriate means and in a concerted manner.

Society, science, economics and politics must interact in a spirit of partnership. Otherwise, problems can only be addressed in a partial and imperfect manner. Let me add that it also takes courage to take on a task of this magnitude with the ambition of seeing it through to completion, the courage to innovate, to remain true to one's values, to ask for assistance or advice when necessary, the courage to make a long-term commitment, as wine growers do when faced with a slow and relentless pace of nature.

We shall see what AI has to offer. We will certainly still be amazed, perhaps dazzled. But what it will never be able to do is to bring hearts together, or attract helping hands, as we saw at the start of this year in the canton of Valais.

Solidarity and humanity are not part of the digital vocabulary. I see this as a good omen for the future. Many thanks for your attention.