The 2025 edition of the World Economic Forum's (WEF) Annual Meeting commenced on Monday in Davos, Switzerland, drawing nearly 3,000 participants from 130 countries and regions. Under the theme \"Cooperation in the Intelligent Age\", global leaders and experts are gathering to address the urgent need for collaboration in tackling shared challenges.
With over 60 heads of state and government in attendance, the forum aims to foster meaningful dialogue on critical topics such as geopolitical tensions, the accelerating climate crisis, and the rapid technological transformation impacting artificial intelligence and automation in the global economy.
Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang underscored the importance of cooperation in advancing economic globalization during his speech. \"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 the call 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 said.
Prior to the opening, WEF Founder Klaus Schwab highlighted the necessity of renewed cooperation amid growing global divisions. He emphasized the meeting's goal 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, Managing Director of the WEF, addressed the critical role 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, underscoring the importance of inclusive international collaboration.
The Davos meeting is poised to provide a platform for leaders to find common ground and seize opportunities to make positive changes on today's most pressing global issues.
Reference(s):
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