Greenpeace activists stage climate protest inside WEF meeting in Davos

Greenpeace activists staged a brief protest outside the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos on Thursday, urging global leaders to tax the wealthy to fund a greener future.

Three protesters, dressed in dark suits and white shirts, entered the Congress Centre and scaled a lobby balcony. They unfurled a banner reading, "Tax the super-rich. Fund a just & green future," before security staff escorted them out.

The demonstration occurred shortly before European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s opening speech.

A source familiar with the incident said the protesters had valid badges for the event, obtained through their work with a WEF provider.

Greenpeace activists hold a banner as they protest in the Congress Centre during the 55th annual World Economic Forum (WEF) meeting in Davos, Switzerland, January 21, 2025.Reuters

Clara Thompson, a Greenpeace spokesperson, confirmed the activists were briefly detained at a local police station and later released. "They had their ways and means," she told Reuters, declining to elaborate on how they gained access to the venue.

The WEF stated it "respects the right to the peaceful expression" and is reviewing the security breach. Ensuring safety remains a priority for participants and staff, the organization said.

The protest echoed earlier Greenpeace actions this week, including blocking the Davos heliport and splattering green paint on an Amazon pop-up shop on the town’s main street.

Security remains tight at the WEF annual meeting, where "safeguarding the planet" is among the key themes under discussion.

"In an increasingly polarized and fragmented world, continuing to provide a platform for such dialogue has never been more essential," the WEF said in a statement.