The 2025 Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) is set to convene global leaders from governments, businesses, and civil society in Davos-Klosters, Switzerland, from January 20 to 24. Under the theme “Collaboration for the Intelligent Age,” the forum aims to address critical global and regional challenges, emphasizing the necessity of cooperation in an increasingly complex world.
Participants will delve into pressing issues such as responding to geopolitical shocks, stimulating economic growth to improve living standards, and managing a just and inclusive energy transition. The program is structured around five interconnected thematic priorities: rebuilding trust, reimagining growth, investing in people, safeguarding the planet, and navigating industries in the intelligent age.
Rebuilding Trust Amid Geopolitical Challenges
The escalation of geopolitical conflicts and regional instability has brought global cooperation to a low point. In a report released on January 7, the WEF highlighted the urgent need for the international community to explore collaborative paths and strengthen partnerships to tackle shared challenges. Børge Brende, President of the WEF, emphasized that in the face of a challenging global landscape, cooperation remains the only viable path to address major economic, environmental, and technological issues.
The World Economic Forum: A Platform for Global Dialogue
Founded in 1971 by Swiss-German economist Klaus Schwab, the WEF is an international not-for-profit organization headquartered in Geneva. It is dedicated to fostering public-private cooperation to address the world’s most pressing political, social, and economic challenges. The annual meeting, commonly known as “Davos,” has become a premier gathering where leaders and thinkers converge to shape global agendas.
China’s Integral Role at the WEF
China’s engagement with the WEF reflects its increasing influence on the global stage. In the lead-up to the 2025 meeting, China’s participation carries significant weight in discussions on global cooperation and economic development. At the WEF Annual Meeting 2024, Chinese Premier Li Qiang delivered a special address, sharing insights on tackling global challenges and offering perspectives on understanding the Chinese economy.
In his speech, Premier Li underscored the importance of strengthening macroeconomic policy coordination and upholding the multilateral trading system to build synergy for global growth. He affirmed China’s commitment to opening up and integrating with the global economy, stating that China will “open its door even wider to the world.”
Klaus Schwab praised Premier Li’s address, expressing appreciation for China’s proposals to enhance global cooperation and for providing a “trustful outlook” on China’s economic trajectory. Such interactions highlight China’s pivotal role in global economic matters and its potential contributions to addressing worldwide challenges.
A History of Collaboration
China’s relationship with the WEF has evolved alongside its own reform and opening-up policies. Since 1979, China has regularly sent delegations to the forum’s annual meetings. In 2005, Klaus Schwab proposed the idea of “Summer Davos” in China, leading to the first such meeting in Dalian in 2007. These events have fostered deeper interactions between China and the global community, facilitating dialogue on economic and technological advancements.
As China’s economy continues to grow, it contributes significantly to the global economy through a diverse and stable industrial supply system and an extensive consumer market. Initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative demonstrate China’s commitment to strengthening international economic cooperation, building infrastructure, and promoting technological advancement worldwide.
Looking Ahead to the 2025 WEF
The 2025 WEF Annual Meeting presents an opportunity for global leaders to come together in pursuit of collaborative solutions to pressing issues. China’s participation is poised to be influential, offering perspectives and initiatives that could shape the future of global cooperation. As the world navigates the complexities of the intelligent age, fostering trust and collaboration remains essential for sustainable growth and development.
