The World Economic Forum (WEF) is set to convene its annual meeting from January 20 to 24 in Davos, Switzerland. Bringing together nearly 3,000 leaders from politics, academia, and business—including 60 heads of state and government—the 2025 gathering promises to be a pivotal event on the global stage.
Throughout its history, the WEF has served as a catalyst for significant bilateral and multilateral discussions addressing critical global and local issues. Notably, in 1992, South African leaders Nelson Mandela and F.W. de Klerk met at Davos, marking a turning point in the fight against apartheid. Similarly, the 1998 meeting amidst a financial crisis led to the conception of a dialogue platform between developed and developing nations, eventually laying the groundwork for the Group of 20 (G20).
This year's forum, themed \"Collaborating for the Intelligent Age\", comes at a time when geopolitical and economic uncertainties, trade tensions, cultural polarization, and climate challenges are increasingly complex and interconnected. The agenda for Davos 2025 is anticipated to be more critical than ever, aiming to bridge the widening gap between global aspirations and anxieties.
Meanwhile, technological breakthroughs in quantum computing, biotechnology, and artificial intelligence are creating unprecedented opportunities to improve productivity, enhance living standards, and reduce poverty and inequality. The forum will focus on harnessing these advancements to uplift humanity while addressing potential divides.
Under its overarching theme, the WEF will orient discussions around five key priorities:
- Rethinking Growth
- Industries in the Intelligent Age
- Investing in People
- Safeguarding the Planet
- Rebuilding Trust
The 2025 meeting aims to foster collaboration across sectors and nations to navigate the challenges and opportunities of the Intelligent Age. By bringing together diverse voices, the WEF seeks to develop strategies that promote inclusive growth, sustainable development, and global cooperation.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
