The 2025 World Economic Forum's (WEF) Annual Meeting commenced on Monday in Davos, Switzerland, drawing nearly 3,000 participants from 130 countries and regions. Under the theme \"Cooperation in the Intelligent Age,\" global leaders, policymakers, and experts gathered to address the urgent need for international collaboration in tackling shared challenges.
With over 60 heads of state and government attending, the forum is poised to discuss critical issues ranging from geopolitical tensions and the accelerating climate crisis to the impact of rapid technological advancements, such as artificial intelligence and automation, on the global economy.
Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang highlighted the significance of cooperation in promoting 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 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 said in her address.
Ahead of the opening, WEF Founder Klaus Schwab emphasized that growing global divisions necessitate renewed collaboration. He called for a spirit of optimism and unity 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 remarked.
Jeremy Jurgens, Managing Director of the WEF, underscored the importance of strong global governance amid rapid technological change. He highlighted contributions from countries like China in areas such as economic growth, innovation, and environmental sustainability, stressing the need for inclusive international collaboration.
As the world faces unprecedented challenges, the forum serves as a platform for leaders to engage in meaningful dialogue, find common ground, and seize opportunities to effect positive change on pressing global issues.
The discussions at Davos are expected to pave the way for actionable solutions and partnerships that will shape the future of international relations and global prosperity in the intelligent age.
Reference(s):
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