The 2025 Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) opened on Monday in Davos, Switzerland, bringing together nearly 3,000 participants from 130 countries and regions. Under the theme \"Cooperation in the Intelligent Age,\" global leaders, business executives, and experts convened to address the urgent need for collaboration in tackling shared challenges.
Focus on Global Collaboration
With critical topics ranging from geopolitical tensions and the accelerating climate crisis to rapid technological transformation, the event aims to find common ground and drive meaningful dialogue. Over 60 heads of state and government are present to discuss the impact of artificial intelligence and automation on the global economy.
Chinese Vice Premier Emphasizes Globalization
Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang highlighted the significance of cooperation in promoting economic globalization during his speech at the forum. He stated, \"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.\"
Calls for Avoiding Economic Divisions
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also emphasized the need for global cooperation. In her speech, she remarked, \"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.\"
WEF Leadership Advocates for Optimism
Prior to the opening, WEF Founder Klaus Schwab expressed that the growing divisions within the world require renewed cooperation, calling for 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 the WEF, also addressed the importance of strong global governance in the face of rapid technological change. He highlighted the contributions of various nations in areas such as economic growth, innovation, and environmental sustainability, underlining the importance of inclusive international collaboration.
Reference(s):
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