DAVOS, Switzerland – Global cooperation took center stage at the 2025 World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting, which commenced on Monday in Davos, Switzerland. Gathering under the theme \"Cooperation in the Intelligent Age,\" nearly 3,000 participants from 130 countries and regions convened to address the urgent need for collaborative efforts in tackling shared global challenges.
The forum brings together over 60 heads of state and government, along with political leaders, business executives, and experts. They aim to drive meaningful dialogue, find common ground, and seize opportunities to effect positive change on some of the most pressing issues of our time.
Key topics on the agenda include geopolitical tensions, the accelerating climate crisis, and the rapid technological transformation impacting the global economy through advancements in artificial intelligence and automation.
Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang emphasized the significance of cooperation in promoting economic globalization during his address to the forum. \"Through cooperation to promote economic globalization, we will usher in a more vibrant, advanced, and sustainable new stage,\" he stated. \"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.\"
Echoing this sentiment, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called for collective action to maintain the integrity of the global economy. \"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.
Before the opening of the meeting, WEF Founder Klaus Schwab highlighted the growing divisions within the world and the necessity for renewed cooperation. He urged participants to foster a spirit of optimism and collaboration. \"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, addressed the importance of strong global governance amidst 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.
As the world navigates the complexities of the Intelligent Age, the 2025 WEF Annual Meeting stands as a pivotal gathering aimed at uniting global leaders and stakeholders in a collective effort to build a more sustainable and inclusive future.
Reference(s):
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