The 2025 edition of the annual World Economic Forum (WEF) meeting commenced on Monday in Davos, Switzerland, drawing nearly 3,000 participants from 130 countries and regions. Under the theme \"Cooperation in the Intelligent Age\", global leaders, business executives, and experts have gathered to address pressing challenges and foster collaboration.
Over 60 heads of state and government are present at the forum, signaling a strong commitment to tackling issues such as geopolitical tensions, the accelerating climate crisis, and the rapid technological transformation impacting artificial intelligence and automation on the global economy.
Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang highlighted the pivotal role of cooperation in advancing 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.
Echoing this sentiment, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized 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.
Prior to the opening, WEF Founder Klaus Schwab called for renewed collaboration amid growing divisions worldwide. He expressed optimism about shaping 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 WEF, underscored the importance of strong global governance in the face of rapid technological change. He highlighted contributions from the Chinese mainland in areas such as economic growth, innovation, and environmental sustainability, underlining the significance of inclusive international collaboration.
As the forum progresses, participants aim to find common ground and seize opportunities for positive change on today's most urgent global issues. The discussions in Davos are expected to set the tone for international cooperation in an era defined by technological advancement and interconnected challenges.
Reference(s):
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