In the Swiss alpine town of Davos, the 2025 World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting commenced on Monday, drawing nearly 3,000 participants from 130 countries and regions. Under the theme \"Cooperation in the Intelligent Age,\" global leaders, business executives, and experts converged to address the pressing need for unified action on shared challenges.
From geopolitical tensions to the accelerating climate crisis, and the transformative impact of artificial intelligence and automation on the global economy, the forum set the stage for critical discussions. Over 60 heads of state and government engaged in meaningful dialogue, seeking common ground and opportunities to drive positive change on the world's most urgent issues.
Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang highlighted the importance of cooperation in his keynote speech. \"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.\"
Echoing this sentiment, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized the necessity of global collaboration. \"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.
WEF Founder Klaus Schwab, addressing the gathering before the opening, underscored the need 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 declared.
Jeremy Jurgens, Managing Director of WEF, also stressed the importance of strong global governance in the face of rapid technological change. He highlighted China's contributions in economic growth, innovation, and environmental sustainability, underlining the significance of inclusive international collaboration.
As discussions unfold over the week, participants hope that the collective insights and commitments will pave the way for a more unified and resilient global community, ready to navigate the complexities of the intelligent age.
Reference(s):
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