The 2025 edition of the World Economic Forum (WEF) commenced on Monday in Davos, Switzerland, bringing together nearly 3,000 participants from 130 countries and regions. Under the theme \"Cooperation in the Intelligent Age,\" the annual meeting seeks to address the urgent need for global collaboration in tackling shared challenges.
With over 60 heads of state and government in attendance, alongside political leaders, business executives, and experts, the forum aims to foster meaningful dialogue on critical issues such as geopolitical tensions, the accelerating climate crisis, and the rapid technological transformation impacting the global economy.
In his keynote speech, Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang underscored the importance 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 stated. \"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 this sentiment, emphasizing the need for collective efforts to maintain global economic stability. \"We will need to work together to avoid a global race to the bottom,\" she remarked. \"Because it is in no one's interest to break the bonds in the global economy.\"
Prior to the opening, WEF Founder Klaus Schwab called for renewed cooperation in light of growing global divisions. He expressed optimism that the 2025 meeting would 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.
Jeremy Jurgens, Managing Director of the WEF, highlighted the necessity of strong global governance amid rapid technological change. He acknowledged contributions from various nations, including China's role in economic growth, innovation, and environmental sustainability. \"Inclusive international collaboration is more important than ever,\" Jurgens noted.
As the forum progresses, participants will engage in discussions aimed at finding common ground and seizing opportunities for positive change on today's most pressing global issues. The emphasis on cooperation reflects a collective understanding that shared challenges require unified responses in an increasingly interconnected world.
Reference(s):
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