The 2025 edition of the World Economic Forum's (WEF) annual meeting commenced on Monday in Davos, Switzerland, drawing nearly 3,000 participants from 130 countries and regions. With the theme \"Cooperation in the Intelligent Age,\" global leaders and experts are convening to address the urgent need for international collaboration to tackle shared challenges.
Critical topics on the agenda include escalating geopolitical tensions, the accelerating climate crisis, and the rapid technological transformation impacting artificial intelligence and automation on the global economy. Over 60 heads of state and government, alongside business executives and thought leaders, are engaging in meaningful dialogue to find common ground and drive positive change on pressing global issues.
Emphasis on Economic Globalization
Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang highlighted the significance of cooperation in promoting economic globalization during his address 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 sentiment, emphasizing the necessity 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.
Calls for Optimism and Collaboration
WEF Founder Klaus Schwab underscored the growing divisions within the world, calling for renewed cooperation and a spirit of optimism. He noted 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, 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.
The annual meeting in Davos serves as a pivotal platform for fostering dialogue and forging partnerships aimed at addressing the complex challenges facing the global community. As the world navigates the Intelligent Age, the emphasis on cooperation and collective action remains paramount.
Reference(s):
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