Global Cooperation Takes Center Stage at WEF 2025 Annual Meeting
The World Economic Forum's 2025 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 gathers over 60 heads of state and government, along with political leaders, business executives, and experts. The forum aims to foster meaningful dialogue, find common ground, and seize opportunities to effect positive change on pressing global issues such as geopolitical tensions, the accelerating climate crisis, and the rapid technological transformation impacting the global economy.
Emphasis on Collaboration
In his keynote speech, Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang highlighted the significance of cooperation in promoting economic globalization.
\"Through cooperation to promote economic globalization, we will usher in a more vibrant, advanced, and sustainable new stage,\" Ding said. \"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 this sentiment, stressing the need for global cooperation to prevent a downward spiral in the global economy.
\"We will need to work together to avoid a global race to the bottom,\" she stated. \"Because it is in no one's interest to break the bonds in the global economy.\"
Shaping a Sustainable Future
Ahead of the opening, WEF Founder Klaus Schwab underscored the increasing divisions in the world that necessitate renewed cooperation. He called for a spirit of optimism and collaboration to shape the forthcoming Intelligent Age in a more sustainable and inclusive way.
\"Despite divergent positions and great uncertainties, the Annual Meeting 2025 will foster a spirit of cooperation and constructive optimism,\" Schwab said.
Jeremy Jurgens, Managing Director of the WEF, also 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, emphasizing the need for inclusive international collaboration.
Looking Forward
As the world navigates complex challenges, the WEF 2025 Annual Meeting serves as a critical platform for leaders to collaborate and forge pathways toward a more sustainable and inclusive future. The discussions and outcomes from this forum are expected to have far-reaching impacts on the global economy and international relations.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
