The 2025 World Economic Forum's (WEF) annual meeting commenced in Davos, Switzerland, on Monday, bringing together nearly 3,000 participants from 130 countries and regions. Under the theme \"Cooperation in the Intelligent Age,\" leaders and experts are convening to address pressing global challenges such as geopolitical tensions, the accelerating climate crisis, and the impact of rapid technological transformation on the global economy.
Over 60 heads of state and government are joining political leaders, business executives, and experts to engage in meaningful dialogue aimed at finding common ground and fostering positive change. The discussions are expected to focus on critical topics ranging from artificial intelligence and automation to sustainable development and economic globalization.
Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang underscored the importance of collaboration in advancing economic globalization during his speech at the forum. \"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 stated.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also highlighted the necessity 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 remarked in her speech.
WEF Founder Klaus Schwab emphasized that the growing divisions within the world require renewed cooperation, calling for a spirit of optimism and collaboration. He expressed 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, 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.
Reference(s):
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