The 2025 edition of the World Economic Forum's (WEF) annual meeting commenced in Davos, Switzerland, on Monday, drawing nearly 3,000 participants from 130 countries and regions. Under the theme \\"Cooperation in the Intelligent Age,\\" the event highlights the urgent need for global collaboration to address shared challenges.
The forum is set to delve into critical topics ranging from escalating geopolitical tensions and the accelerating climate crisis to the rapid technological transformation impacting artificial intelligence and automation in the global economy.
Over 60 heads of state and government are in attendance, joining political leaders, business executives, and experts to foster meaningful dialogue, find common ground, and seize opportunities to effect positive change on today's most pressing global issues.
Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang underscored the importance 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. 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.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also emphasized 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 remarked.
Ahead of the opening, WEF Founder Klaus Schwab highlighted that growing divisions in the world necessitate renewed cooperation. He called for a spirit of optimism and collaboration, stating 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 commented.
Jeremy Jurgens, Managing Director of the WEF, addressed the importance of strong global governance amid rapid technological change. He highlighted China's contributions in areas such as economic growth, innovation, and environmental sustainability, underscoring the significance of inclusive international collaboration, as reported by China Media Group News Radio.
(Cover image via VCG)
Reference(s):
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