The 2025 Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) 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 uniting to address the urgent need for global collaboration in tackling shared challenges.
As the world grapples with geopolitical tensions, an accelerating climate crisis, and rapid technological transformations, the significance of cooperation has never been more apparent. Over 60 heads of state and government, alongside business executives and scholars, have gathered to engage in meaningful dialogue and find common ground on pressing global issues.
In his keynote speech, Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang underscored the importance of cooperation in advancing 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 this sentiment, emphasizing the need for 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.
WEF Founder Klaus Schwab highlighted the urgency of renewed cooperation amid growing global divisions. He called for a spirit of optimism and collaboration 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, WEF Managing Director, addressed the importance of robust 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.
As discussions continue in Davos, participants aim to bridge divides and forge pathways toward a united global community. The collective efforts at this year's meeting signal a commitment to addressing the complex challenges of our time through cooperation and shared vision.
Reference(s):
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