The 2025 edition of the World Economic Forum's (WEF) annual meeting commenced in Davos, Switzerland, on Monday, bringing together nearly 3,000 participants from 130 countries and regions. Under the theme \"Cooperation in the Intelligent Age\", global leaders are gathering to address the urgent need for collaboration in tackling shared challenges.
With over 60 heads of state and government in attendance, alongside political leaders, business executives, and experts, the forum aims to foster meaningful dialogue on pressing issues such as geopolitical tensions, the accelerating climate crisis, and the impact of artificial intelligence and automation on the global economy.
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.
Echoing this sentiment, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stressed the necessity of 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 remarked in her address.
Prior to the opening, WEF Founder Klaus Schwab highlighted the growing divisions within the world and called for a renewed spirit of optimism and collaboration. \"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 stated.
Jeremy Jurgens, Managing Director of the WEF, also addressed 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, emphasizing the importance of inclusive international collaboration.
The gathering in Davos reflects a shared commitment among global leaders to find common ground and seize opportunities for positive change. As the world navigates the complexities of the Intelligent Age, the emphasis on cooperation and dialogue at the WEF aims to shape a more sustainable and inclusive future.
Reference(s):
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