The 2025 World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting commenced on Monday in Davos, Switzerland, bringing together nearly 3,000 participants from 130 countries and regions to address the urgent need for global collaboration in tackling shared challenges.
Under the theme \"Cooperation in the Intelligent Age\", the event focuses on critical issues ranging from escalating geopolitical tensions and the accelerating climate crisis to rapid technological transformations, including the impact of artificial intelligence and automation on the global economy.
Over 60 heads of state and government, alongside political leaders, business executives, and experts, are convening to drive meaningful dialogue, find common ground, and seize opportunities for positive change on today's most pressing global issues.
Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang emphasized the significance of cooperation in promoting economic globalization during his speech at the forum. He stated, \"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.\"
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also highlighted the necessity for global cooperation. She remarked, \"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.\"
Prior to the opening, WEF Founder Klaus Schwab called for renewed cooperation amid growing global divisions, advocating for a spirit of optimism and collaboration. He expressed, \"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.\"
Jeremy Jurgens, the Managing Director of the WEF, addressed 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):
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