Davos, Switzerland — The 2025 Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) commenced on Monday with a call for renewed global collaboration to address shared challenges. Nearly 3,000 participants from 130 countries and regions, including over 60 heads of state and government, have gathered in Davos to engage in dialogues aimed at shaping a sustainable and inclusive future in the emerging intelligent age.
The event, themed “Cooperation in the Intelligent Age,” focuses on critical topics such as geopolitical tensions, the accelerating climate crisis, and the rapid technological transformation impacting artificial intelligence and automation in the global economy.
In his address, Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang underscored the importance of cooperation in promoting economic globalization. “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 need 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.
WEF Founder Klaus Schwab highlighted the imperative of renewed cooperation amid growing global divisions. “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, underscoring the significance of inclusive international collaboration.
As the world navigates complex challenges, the WEF 2025 aims to serve as a platform for forging common ground and seizing opportunities to drive positive change. The collective dialogue in Davos aspires to chart a course toward a future defined by cooperation, innovation, and shared prosperity.
Reference(s):
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