Several WEF participants took their chance and experienced life as a refugee in the‘Refugee Run’ co-organized by Crossroads Foundation, UNHCR and the Global Risk Forum GRF Davos.  Among them, Sir Richard Branson, founder of the Virgin Group commented that: “As part of the ‘Sprit of Davos, it is important to give initiatives like the Refugee Run a part at the WEF. Many companies are purely money machines. It is important to provide a platform for experiences like this.”

Simon Maxwell, of the Overseas Development Institute, in roleplay as an injured refugee

Sir Richard Branson and Walter Ammann in the beginning stage of the Refugee Run

Sir Richard Branson discussing global risk in an interview after his Refugee Run

Sir Richard Branson deep in thought at the Global Risk Forum GRF Davos booth

Sir Richard Branson and Walter Ammnann at the Global Risk Forum GRF Davos booth

Sir Richard Branson steps into the shoes of a refugee (video courtesy of the Wall Street Journal)

John Harris, KPMG: “ I was deeply moved by this experience and the thought that millions of people have to indure situations like this for month and years is really depressing.”

Forbes Life, Robert Polet, of Gucci and Mark Parker, of Nike, also took their time to step into the shoes of refugees for one hour. A situation in real life no one would wish for, but a situation that can become reality from one moment to the next for any one.