Davos, Switzerland — The 2025 edition of the World Economic Forum's (WEF) annual meeting opened on Monday, bringing together nearly 3,000 participants from 130 countries and regions. Under the theme \"Cooperation in the Intelligent Age,\" leaders and experts convened to address the urgent need for global collaboration in tackling shared challenges.
The gathering features over 60 heads of state and government, along with political leaders, business executives, and experts. Together, they aim to drive meaningful dialogue, find common ground, and seize opportunities for positive change on some of the most pressing global issues of today.
In his speech at the forum, Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang emphasized the significance of cooperation in promoting 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 also underscored the necessity of global cooperation. \"We will need to work together to avoid a global race to the bottom,\" she said. \"Because it is in no one's interest to break the bonds in the global economy.\"
WEF Founder Klaus Schwab addressed the growing divisions in the world, calling for renewed cooperation and a spirit of optimism. \"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, the managing director of WEF, highlighted the importance of strong global governance in the face of rapid technological change. He acknowledged contributions from various nations, including China, in areas such as economic growth, innovation, and environmental sustainability. Jurgens stressed the need for inclusive international collaboration to navigate the complexities of the intelligent age.
The forum is set to discuss critical topics ranging from geopolitical tensions and the accelerating climate crisis to rapid technological transformation and its impact on artificial intelligence and automation in the global economy.
As the world enters an era marked by unprecedented technological advancement, the leaders gathered in Davos are poised to shape a future that prioritizes sustainability, inclusivity, and cooperation on a global scale.
Reference(s):
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