The 2025 World Economic Forum's (WEF) annual 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 converged to address the urgent need for collaboration in tackling shared challenges.
The forum is set to engage in critical discussions on issues ranging from escalating geopolitical tensions and the accelerating climate crisis to rapid technological transformations impacting artificial intelligence and automation in the global economy.
Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang underscored the importance of unity in promoting economic globalization during his speech. \"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 collaboration. \"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 in the world and called for a renewed spirit of cooperation. He expressed optimism for 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, also addressed the significance of strong global governance amid rapid technological change. He highlighted contributions from various nations in economic growth, innovation, and environmental sustainability, underlining the importance of inclusive international collaboration.
With over 60 heads of state and government in attendance, the forum aims to drive meaningful dialogue, find common ground, and seize opportunities to effect positive change on today's most pressing global issues.
Reference(s):
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