The 2025 edition of the World Economic Forum's (WEF) Annual Meeting commenced on Monday in Davos, Switzerland, bringing together nearly 3,000 participants from 130 countries and regions. Under the theme \"Cooperation in the Intelligent Age,\" leaders and experts are converging to address the urgent need for global collaboration in tackling shared challenges.
High on the agenda are critical topics such as escalating geopolitical tensions, the accelerating climate crisis, and the rapid technological transformation impacting artificial intelligence and automation in the global economy. Over 60 heads of state and government are joining political leaders, business executives, and experts to foster meaningful dialogue and find common ground on today's most pressing global issues.
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 stated.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen echoed the call 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 affirmed in her speech.
WEF Founder Klaus Schwab highlighted the urgency of renewed cooperation amid growing global divisions. He called for a spirit of optimism and collaboration, aiming 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 expressed.
Jeremy Jurgens, Managing Director of the WEF, underscored 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, according to China Media Group News Radio.
As the forum continues, participants are expected to explore ways to harness technological advancements for the betterment of society while addressing the pressing challenges that transcend national borders. The collective efforts and insights from this gathering aim to pave the way for a more connected and cooperative global community.
Reference(s):
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