The 2025 Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) commenced on Monday in Davos, Switzerland, bringing together nearly 3,000 participants from 130 countries and regions. Under the theme \"Cooperation in the Intelligent Age,\" leaders and experts gathered to address the pressing need for global collaboration in tackling shared challenges.
With over 60 heads of state and government in attendance, alongside political leaders, business executives, and thought leaders, the forum aims to foster meaningful dialogue on critical issues. Topics range from geopolitical tensions and the accelerating climate crisis to the rapid technological transformation impacting artificial intelligence and automation in the global economy.
Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang emphasized the importance 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 also highlighted 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 said in her address.
WEF Founder Klaus Schwab called for a renewed spirit of optimism and cooperation in light of 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,\" he remarked.
Jeremy Jurgens, Managing Director of the WEF, underscored the importance of strong global governance amid rapid technological change. He highlighted China\'s contributions in economic growth, innovation, and environmental sustainability, emphasizing the significance of inclusive international collaboration.
As the WEF 2025 unfolds, participants are expected to seek common ground and seize opportunities to drive positive change on the most pressing global issues, aiming to shape a more sustainable and inclusive future in the emerging intelligent era.
Reference(s):
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