Global cooperation took center stage as nearly 3,000 participants from 130 countries and regions gathered on Monday for the 2025 edition of the World Economic Forum's (WEF) annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland.
Under the theme \"Cooperation in the Intelligent Age,\" the event aims to address urgent global challenges ranging from geopolitical tensions and the accelerating climate crisis to the profound impact of rapid technological transformation, particularly in artificial intelligence and automation, on the global economy.
Over 60 heads of state and government convened with other political leaders, business executives, and experts to foster meaningful dialogue, find common ground, and seize opportunities for positive change on today's most pressing issues.
Calls for Collective Action
In his address at the forum, Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang emphasized the significance of cooperation in promoting economic globalization. \"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.\"
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen echoed this sentiment, stressing the need for global cooperation. \"We will need to work together to avoid a global race to the bottom,\" she said in her speech. \"Because it is in no one's interest to break the bonds in the global economy.\"
Shaping the Intelligent Age
Before the opening of the meeting, WEF Founder Klaus Schwab called for renewed cooperation amid growing global divisions. \"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. He emphasized that the emerging Intelligent Age requires a spirit of optimism and collaboration to build a more sustainable and inclusive future.
Jeremy Jurgens, the managing director of WEF, highlighted the importance of strong global governance in the face of rapid technological change. He underscored China's contributions in areas such as economic growth, innovation, and environmental sustainability, underlining the necessity of inclusive international collaboration.
A Platform for Common Ground
The 2025 WEF meeting serves as a crucial platform for leaders to address shared challenges and explore opportunities in an increasingly interconnected world. Participants are expected to engage in discussions and initiatives that will shape policies and strategies for global development in the Intelligent Age.
Reference(s):
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