The 2025 edition of the annual World Economic Forum (WEF) commenced on Monday in Davos, Switzerland, gathering nearly 3,000 participants from 130 countries and regions. Under the theme \"Cooperation in the Intelligent Age,\" global leaders are convening to discuss the urgent need for collaboration to tackle shared challenges.
This year's forum brings together over 60 heads of state and government, alongside political leaders, business executives, and experts. They aim to drive meaningful dialogue on critical topics such as geopolitical tensions, the accelerating climate crisis, and the rapid technological transformation impacting artificial intelligence and automation in the global economy.
In his speech at the forum, Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang emphasized the significance of cooperation in promoting economic globalization.
\"Through cooperation to promote economic globalization, we will usher in a more vibrant, advanced, and sustainable new stage. I believe we have the wisdom and capability to find mutually beneficial cooperation through communication and consultation, and I also recognize the challenges in further advancing economic globalization,\" he said.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also highlighted the need for global cooperation.
\"We will need to work together to avoid a global race to the bottom. Because it is in no one's interest to break the bonds in the global economy,\" she said in her speech.
Prior to the opening, WEF Founder Klaus Schwab spoke about the growing divisions in the world, calling for a renewed spirit of optimism and collaboration. He emphasized that the 2025 meeting aims to shape a more sustainable and inclusive future in the emerging intelligent era.
\"Despite divergent positions and great uncertainties, the Annual Meeting 2025 will foster a spirit of cooperation and constructive optimism with the objective of shaping the forthcoming Intelligent Age in a more sustainable and inclusive way,\" Schwab said.
Jeremy Jurgens, the managing director of the WEF, addressed the importance of strong global governance in the face of rapid technological change. He highlighted China's contributions in areas such as economic growth, innovation, and environmental sustainability, underlining the importance of inclusive international collaboration.
The forum's discussions are expected to focus on finding common ground and seizing opportunities for positive change on today's most pressing global issues. As nations navigate the complexities of the intelligent age, global cooperation stands as a pivotal element in fostering a sustainable and inclusive future.
Reference(s):
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