The 2025 edition of the World Economic Forum's (WEF) annual meeting 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,\" leaders and experts are convening to address the urgent need for global collaboration in tackling shared challenges.
The forum is set to discuss critical issues ranging from geopolitical tensions and the accelerating climate crisis to rapid technological transformations, including the impact of artificial intelligence and automation on the global economy. Over 60 heads of state and government, alongside business executives and experts, aim to drive meaningful dialogue, find common ground, and seize opportunities to effect positive change on today's most pressing global issues.
Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang emphasized 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.\"
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also highlighted 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 said in her speech.
Before the opening, WEF Founder Klaus Schwab called for renewed cooperation in the face of growing global divisions, urging a spirit of optimism and collaboration. He expressed that the 2025 meeting aims to shape 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.
WEF Managing Director Jeremy Jurgens addressed the importance of strong global governance amid rapid technological change. He highlighted China\u2019s contributions in areas such as economic growth, innovation, and environmental sustainability, underlining the importance of inclusive international collaboration.
The gathering in Davos underscores a global acknowledgment that cooperation is essential in addressing shared challenges. As nations navigate complex issues like climate change and technological disruption, the emphasis on collaboration highlights a collective commitment to shaping a better future in the intelligent age.
(Cover image via VCG)
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