WEF Opening address

Mr Hoffmann,
Mr Fink,
Mr Brende,
Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

As president of the Swiss Confederation, I am particularly pleased to welcome so many heads of state to this Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum.

Such a large turnout has special significance this year, which began so tragically for our country. Switzerland would like to thank the many countries that offered their support and solidarity following the tragedy in Crans-Montana.

It is stirring to see how a disaster can mobilise forces, strengthen international cohesion and bring people together in the face of adversity. However, this unity must extend beyond a specific event, however exceptional it may be. It must permeate relations between our countries at all times, because only together can we find solid and lasting solutions to the major challenges of our time.

2025 offered up several such challenges and witnessed geopolitical, economic and digital upheavals on a global scale. These changes are noticeable everywhere: they permeate our daily lives, and even stretch to the World Economic Forum, for which the past year has also not been easy-going. This edition and its many distinguished guests nevertheless attest to the importance of resilience and dialogue in the bedrock of our institutions and in their ability to cope with such situations.

2026 has barely started, yet indications of the upheavals to come, as well as the potential flashpoints, are already evident. In addition to the difficult situations in Ukraine, Gaza and Sudan, there are also those Venezuela and Iran, to name but a few. In terms of economic policy, protectionism is on the rise worldwide. In addition, many unresolved issues concerning the role and control of artificial intelligence remain unanswered.

This comes as no surprise: for humans, standing still is not an option. Or, to quote Henri Bergson, “To exist is to change”. This year will therefore be marked by technological advances as well as economic and security concerns. The rapid rise of artificial intelligence is set to profoundly transform the fabric of our society. The changes it brings are visible at every turn and in every area of human life: in the economy, in government and in our private lives. They are changing the way we work, communicate and make decisions. As such, they present both risks and opportunities, with digital transformation bringing with it the dangers of cybercrime and disinformation as well as exciting prospects, particularly in the field of healthcare. Technology is never inherently good or bad: it is what we make of it. And to make it a positive ally, its users must have a sense of responsibility.

But 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 rule applies in many other sectors where investments do not generate immediate returns. I am thinking in particular of research, which also falls under my remit. Long-term thinking is necessary in any situation. It is especially necessary in times of upheaval.

In particular, it must help us to drive progress while remaining true to our fundamental values, without forgetting their meaning or their role.

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Excellencies,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

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

The Federal Council is strongly committed to ensuring that Switzerland can continue to participate successfully in the vitality of that global economy. That is why one of our current priorities is to strengthen and expand relationships with our most loyal and important partners.

Switzerland also wishes to continue diversifying 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 want to continue expanding our network of agreements in this area. To achieve this, it is necessary to be able to conduct negotiations on an equal footing, which yield good results for the benefit of all parties. Agreements of this kind, which are mutually beneficial, do not happen by chance; they are forged patiently one step at a time. Personal contacts and a willingness to engage in dialogue are essential. We have both.

The World Economic Forum has always contributed to this dialogue. I would like to thank it for offering us, once again this year, and here in Switzerland no less, this extraordinary international platform for exchange.

Switzerland is in tune with this. As a neutral country, 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 assuming a particularly demanding task in chairing the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe. However, our country's diplomatic strength also lies in its recognised practice of good offices, for which International Geneva provides a stage commensurate with the challenges at hand. It is important to note that Switzerland is always available in this regard.

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Excellencies,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Our different positions offer us unparalleled perspectives 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 work together hand in hand, in a spirit of partnership; otherwise problems can only be addressed in a partial and imperfect manner.

I would add that it takes courage to take on a task of this magnitude with the ambition of seeing it through to completion: the courage to reject ready-made solutions, the courage to innovate, the courage to remain true to one's values, the courage to ask for assistance or advice when necessary, and finally, the courage to make a long-term commitment, as winegrowers do when faced with the slow and relentless pace of nature.

We shall see what artificial intelligence has to offer us. We will certainly still be amazed, perhaps dazzled. But what it will never be able to do is bring hearts together or attract helping hands, as we saw at the beginning of this year in Valais. Solidarity and humanity are not part of the digital vocabulary. I see this as a good omen for the future.

Thank you.