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,\" the event aims to address the urgent need for global collaboration in tackling shared challenges.
With over 60 heads of state and government in attendance, alongside business leaders, experts, and policymakers, the forum is set to discuss critical issues ranging from geopolitical tensions and the accelerating climate crisis to 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.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also highlighted 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.
WEF Founder Klaus Schwab called for a renewed spirit of optimism and collaboration in the face of growing global divisions. He expressed that the 2025 meeting aims to shape a more sustainable and inclusive future in the emerging Intelligent Age.
\"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 said.
Jeremy Jurgens, Managing Director of the WEF, addressed the importance of strong global governance amid rapid technological change. He highlighted China's contributions in economic growth, innovation, and environmental sustainability, underlining the importance of inclusive international collaboration.
As the world faces unprecedented challenges, the WEF 2025 Annual Meeting serves as a platform for leaders to engage in meaningful dialogue, find common ground, and seize opportunities to make positive changes on pressing global issues.
Reference(s):
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