The 2025 edition of the annual World Economic Forum (WEF) meeting kicked off in Davos, Switzerland, on Monday, drawing nearly 3,000 participants from 130 countries and regions. Under the theme \"Cooperation in the Intelligent Age,\" global leaders convened to address the urgent need for collaboration in tackling shared challenges.
From geopolitical tensions and the accelerating climate crisis to the rapid technological transformation impacting artificial intelligence and automation, critical topics dominated the agenda. Over 60 heads of state and government, along with political leaders, business executives, and experts, gathered to foster meaningful dialogue, seek common ground, and seize opportunities for positive change on the world's most pressing issues.
Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang underscored 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.\"
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 emphasized in her address.
WEF Founder Klaus Schwab highlighted the growing divisions within the world, calling for renewed cooperation and a spirit of optimism. \"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 affirmed.
Jeremy Jurgens, Managing Director of the WEF, stressed 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):
cgtn.com
