Switzerland is the home of the World Economic Forum (WEF), an international organisation which brings together world leaders from the realms of politics and business, to discuss and shape future policies.

The WEF, which has its headquarters in Geneva, was founded in 1971 by a German-born professor of business, Klaus Schwab.

It is best known to the general public for the annual meeting it holds at the end of January in the Swiss resort of Davos, where world economic and social problems are debated. This is attended by presidents and prime ministers, the heads of major economic organisations, representatives of NGOs, intellectuals and even show business personalities.

The WEF describes its agenda as improving the state of the world. Among its recent achievements it cites the "Resilient Dynamism" (2013).

In addition to the Davos meeting, the WEF holds a number of regional meetings each year. It also conducts research into topics related to the contribution of business to development and issues reports.

However, its critics see it as a forum for the rich, where business leaders can lobby politicians for their own advantage.

Strict policing keeps demonstrators away from Davos when the annual meeting is taking place. Since 2001 an "alternative" world social forum has been held in a developing country to coincide with the WEF meeting.