The 2025 edition of the annual World Economic Forum (WEF) meeting opened in Davos, Switzerland, on Monday, bringing together nearly 3,000 participants from 130 countries and regions. Under the theme \"Cooperation in the Intelligent Age,\" the event focuses on the urgent need for global collaboration to tackle shared challenges.
Critical topics such as geopolitical tensions, the accelerating climate crisis, and the rapid technological transformation impacting artificial intelligence and automation on the global economy are expected to dominate discussions. Over 60 heads of state and government, along with political leaders, business executives, and experts, have convened to drive meaningful dialogue, find common ground, and seize opportunities for positive change on today's most pressing global issues.
Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang emphasized 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 said.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also underscored the need 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 stated in her speech.
Before the opening, WEF Founder Klaus Schwab highlighted that growing divisions within the world require renewed cooperation, calling for a spirit of optimism and collaboration. He noted 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, the Managing Director of WEF, 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.
The gathering in Davos signifies a crucial moment for leaders worldwide to collaborate and address global challenges collectively, embracing the opportunities presented by the intelligent age while striving for a sustainable and inclusive future.
Reference(s):
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