The Swiss town of Davos became the epicenter of global discourse as the 2025 edition of the World Economic Forum's (WEF) annual meeting commenced on Monday. Nearly 3,000 participants from 130 countries and regions have gathered to address the pressing need for enhanced global collaboration in tackling shared challenges.
Under the theme \"Cooperation in the Intelligent Age,\" the forum is poised to navigate critical discussions on a spectrum of issues—from escalating geopolitical tensions and the accelerating climate crisis to the profound impact of rapid technological transformations like artificial intelligence and automation on the global economy.
More than 60 heads of state and government are in attendance, joining political leaders, business executives, and experts to foster meaningful dialogue, seek common ground, and seize opportunities for positive change on some of the most urgent global issues.
Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang underscored the pivotal role 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.
Echoing the sentiments of cooperation, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen highlighted the necessity for global unity. \"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 address.
Prior to the opening, WEF Founder Klaus Schwab emphasized that the growing divisions in the world demand renewed cooperation. He called for a spirit of optimism and collaboration, noting 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, also 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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