The 2025 edition of the World Economic Forum's (WEF) annual meeting opened in Davos, Switzerland, on Monday, drawing nearly 3,000 participants from 130 countries and regions. Under the theme "Cooperation in the Intelligent Age," global leaders converged to address the urgent need for collaboration in tackling shared challenges.
The event is set to delve into critical topics such as geopolitical tensions, the accelerating climate crisis, and the rapid technological transformation impacting artificial intelligence and automation in the global economy. Over 60 heads of state and government, alongside business executives and experts, aim to foster meaningful dialogue, find common ground, and seize opportunities for positive change on pressing global issues.
Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang highlighted the importance of unity 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 stated.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen echoed the call for 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.
Prior to the opening, WEF Founder Klaus Schwab emphasized that growing divisions in the world necessitate renewed collaboration. He called for a spirit of optimism and unity, stating that the 2025 meeting aims to shape a more sustainable and inclusive future in the emerging intelligent era. "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, underscored the importance of strong global governance amid rapid technological change. He highlighted China's contributions in economic growth, innovation, and environmental sustainability, stressing the significance of inclusive international collaboration.
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