Pokémon Go creator Niantic has added a new gym and 17 pokéstops for players in Davos, Switzerland. But unlike its past partnerships with companies like Starbucks and Sprint, the additions are part of a campaign to raise awareness for various global-change initiatives.
Davos is home to the World Economic Forum, where international politicians, business leaders, and others examine worldwide issues. Yes, the people of Davos will find their side-gig as pokémon trainers is interrupted by blunt reminders of the world’s troubles. Titles include “No poverty,” “Zero hunger,” and “Quality education.”
The new locations are part of a partnership between Niantic, The Pokémon Company International, and Project Everyone to highlight the Global Goals campaign — an agreement between 193 world leaders on 17 goals “to end all forms of poverty, fight inequalities and tackle climate change by 2030.” Each new pokéstop represents a different goal — from quality education and gender equality to climate action and clean water — while the new gym was placed at the Congress Centre.
According to Niantic founder John Hanke, the initiative comes from the developers’ desire for “Pokémon GO to be a force for good in the world.” While the idea is an admirable one, it’s still an odd fit in practice. Pokéstops have an obvious benefit for businesses, which can capitalize on and profit from the extra foot traffic. How one might improve the world beyond a superficial awareness remains unclear, but, baby steps.
Niantic promised additional content in the spring 2017 as part of the Global Goals campaign. The full list is below.
Pokémon Global Goals gym:
Davos Kongress Center
- Location: Kongresszentrum
- Address: Kongresszentrum, Talstrasse 49a, 7270 Davos Platz, Switzerland
Davos pokéstops:
Goal 1 - No Poverty
- Location: Davos Dorf, Train Station
- Address: Davos Dorf, 7260 Davos, Switzerland
Goal 2 - Zero Hunger
- Location: World Food Programme Tent (temporary location for Davos)
- Address: Promenade 139, 7260 Davos, Switzerland
Goal 3 - Good Health and Well Being
- Location: Schatzalp Hotel, Davos
- Address: Schatzalp, CH-7270 Davos Platz, Switzerland
Goal 4 - Quality Education
- location: Ameron Hotel (Lobby)
- Address: Scalettastrasse 22, 7270 Davos
Goal 5 - Gender Equality
- Location: The Female Quotient
- Address: Panorama Hotel, Promenade 80, 7260 Davos, Switzerland
Goal 6 - Clean Water and Sanitation
- Location: Steigenberger Grandhotel Belvédère
- Address: Promenade 89, 7270 Davos Platz, Switzerland
Goal 7 - Affordable and Clean Energy
- Location: Davos Platz, Train Station
- Address: Davos Platz, Train Station, 7270 Davos, Switzerland
Goal 8 - Decent Work and Economic Growth
- Location: Ice House (temporary structure)
- Address: Promenade 83, 7270 Davos Platz, Switzerland
Goal 9 - Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
- Location: Cabanna Club
- Address: Promenade 63, 7270 Davos, Switzerland
Goal 10 - Reduced Inequalities
- Location: A day in the life of a refugee
- Address: Hilton Garden Inn, Promenade 103, 7270 Davos, Switzerland
Goal 11 - Sustainable Cities and Communities
- Location: Official Shuttle Hub near Kongresszentrum Registration
- Address: Kongresszentrum, Talstrasse 49a, 7270 Davos Platz, Switzerland
Goal 12 - Responsible Consumption and Production
- Location: Kaffeeklatsch
- Address: Promenade 72, 7270 Davos Platz, Switzerland
Goal 13 - Climate Action
- Location: Access Tunnel (to the Kongresszentrum)
- Address: Kongresszentrum, Talstrasse 49a, 7270 Davos Platz, Switzerland
Goal 14 - Life Below Water
- Location: Bridge on Landwasser stream
- Address: Davos Platz, Brämabüelstrasse 7, 7270 Davos Platz
Goal 15 - Life on Land
- Location: Dorfseeli Park
- Address: Talstrasse, 7260 Davos, Switzerland
Goal16 - Peace Justice and Strong Institutions
- Location: Kongress Hotel
Address: Promenade 94, 7270 Davos, Switzerland
Goal 17 - Partnerships for the Goals
- Location: Hotel Seehof
- Address: Promenade 159, 7260 Davos Dorf