The World Economic Forum's (WEF) 2025 annual meeting kicked off 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 are converging to address the urgent need for collaboration in tackling shared challenges.
With over 60 heads of state and government attending, the forum aims to foster meaningful dialogue on critical issues ranging from escalating geopolitical tensions and the accelerating climate crisis to the rapid technological transformations reshaping our world. Discussions will focus on the impact of artificial intelligence and automation on the global economy, exploring ways to harness technology for sustainable development.
Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang emphasized the significance of cooperation in promoting 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,\" he said. \"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.\"
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen echoed the call for global unity. \"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 stated.
Prior to the opening, WEF Founder Klaus Schwab highlighted the importance of renewed cooperation amid growing global divisions. He urged participants to embrace 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, addressed the necessity of strong global governance in the face of rapid technological change. He highlighted China's contributions in economic growth, innovation, and environmental sustainability, underlining the importance of inclusive international collaboration.
As the Intelligent Age unfolds, the 2025 WEF meeting serves as a pivotal platform for leaders across sectors to find common ground and seize opportunities for positive change. The collective efforts in Davos aim to shape policies and partnerships that will influence the global trajectory in the years to come.
The discussions and decisions made at this year's forum are expected to have lasting impacts on how nations navigate shared challenges and leverage technological advancements for the betterment of all.
Reference(s):
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