Bürgenstock: a high-risk conference
A large number of heads of state and ministers, rigorous security measures, a dash of compromise and a generous dose of diplomacy: the perfect score for orchestrating a successful Ukraine peace summit.
Organising an international event like the one on the Bürgenstock is a challenge. A summit involves juggling shifting constraints and high expectations. For fedpol and its partners, adaptability and endurance are key.
Predicting the unpredictable
From the outset, the operation requires management under high pressure. Backstage, all the actors are busy, including Mike*. Despite the excitement, everyone knows their role. Mike cancels the holiday he has planned, and his colleagues cancel theirs. Human resources are already limited, but the situation is particularly critical when it comes to police officers trained in personal protection, as there are very few of them in Switzerland. In order to fulfil the mandate given to it by fedpol, the Canton of Nidwalden relies on other cantonal police forces as well as on Swiss military personnel.
How many people need to be protected? No one knows yet, it’s still being planned. One constant guides every decision: ensure that participants never notice the complexity of organising such an event. Their security and comfort come first.
Managing departures and arrivals is a puzzle to be solved. Whether they come by land or by air, you need to ensure that slots are both respected and flexible, to allow for unforeseen circumstances. The Swiss Armed Forces supply helicopters to provide rapid links between the airports and the Bürgenstock. Using a temporary helipad set up in a nearby field, the team make every effort to keep up the pace. Providing convoy transport as an alternative in the event of bad weather ensures that there is a Plan B for every flight.
Communication: the key ingredient
Organisation means communication. On the big day, the dialogue between fedpol, the Canton of Nidwalden and the delegations continues. Mike is on site, directing proceedings, his phone ringing constantly. Everyone knows their job, but at one point the next shift fails to arrive. No problem, a colleague can help out for a few hours. Cars are checked, and only vehicles with a special badge are allowed through.
A showcase for Switzerland
Beyond the technical and logistical challenges, this event is also an opportunity to showcase Swiss expertise. Every detail counts, from the rigorous organisation of convoys to the discreet but effective management of security measures.
And what could be nicer than a prime minister exclaiming on arrival at the Bürgenstock that “this really is Switzerland!”. Or another who stops to admire the lush green landscape and take a few snapshots.
This is the way in which Switzerland fulfils its duty to protect 55 heads of government, 32 ministers, 5 representatives and 8 delegations and ensure that they can focus on the purpose of their meeting.
Another security commitment to Ukraine
On 17 and 18 October 2024, Lausanne hosted the Ukraine Mine Action Conference UMAC2024. fedpol, working with the Vaud Cantonal Police, carried out a threat analysis and decided on security measures. At the venue, senior officers from the Federal Security Service and the local authorities looked after the foreign delegations. Armed security agents guarded the entry points. Around 80 delegations, including the Ukrainian Prime Minister, the Swiss president, Viola Amherd, and Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, took part in the event.
‘Security is the basis of freedom and peace; without it, they are mere illusions. All the more so at a summit like this. Protection and order provide the best environment for a productive dialogue.’
Mike, Commissioner
* Name changed