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,\" global leaders, business executives, and experts gathered to address the urgent need for collaboration in tackling shared global challenges.
From geopolitical tensions to the accelerating climate crisis and the rapid technological transformation impacting artificial intelligence and automation, the forum is set to discuss critical topics shaping the world's future. Over 60 heads of state and government are participating, aiming to drive meaningful dialogue, find common ground, and seize opportunities for positive change on today's most pressing issues.
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,\" he stated. \"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.\"
Echoing the call for unity, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized the need for global cooperation. \"We will need to work together to avoid a global race to the bottom,\" she said. \"Because it is in no one's interest to break the bonds in the global economy.\"
Before the opening, WEF Founder Klaus Schwab stressed that the growing divisions within the world require renewed cooperation. He called for a spirit of optimism and collaboration, stating 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 remarked.
Jeremy Jurgens, the managing director of 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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