On a crisp Monday morning, the picturesque town of Davos, Switzerland, became the epicenter of global discourse as the 2025 World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting kicked off. Nearly 3,000 participants from 130 countries and regions gathered under the theme \"Cooperation in the Intelligent Age\" to address the urgent call for global collaboration in tackling shared challenges.
Amidst the backdrop of geopolitical tensions, an escalating climate crisis, and rapid technological advancements reshaping industries, the forum set the stage for critical discussions on the future of our interconnected world. Over 60 heads of state and government joined business leaders and experts in seeking common ground and exploring opportunities to drive positive change.
In a compelling address, Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang underscored the pivotal role of cooperation in advancing economic globalization. \"Through cooperation to promote economic globalization, we will usher in a more vibrant, advanced, and sustainable new stage,\" he declared. \"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 the sentiment, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen highlighted the necessity of unity in the face of global economic challenges. \"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 emphasized in her speech.
The forum's founder, Klaus Schwab, called for a renewed spirit of optimism and collaboration amid growing divisions worldwide. \"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 remarked.
Jeremy Jurgens, Managing Director of the WEF, addressed the significance of strong global governance in the era of rapid technological change. He spotlighted China's contributions in economic growth, innovation, and environmental sustainability, underscoring the importance of inclusive international collaboration.
As the world stands at a crossroads, the 2025 WEF annual meeting serves as a beacon of hope, bringing together diverse voices to navigate the complexities of the Intelligent Age. The emphasis on cooperation and shared responsibility resonates deeply, highlighting a collective desire to build a more sustainable and inclusive future for all.
Reference(s):
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