The 2025 edition of the annual World Economic Forum (WEF) opened in Davos, Switzerland, on Monday, bringing together nearly 3,000 participants from 130 countries and regions to address the urgent need for global collaboration in tackling shared challenges.
With the theme \"Cooperation in the Intelligent Age,\" the event 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.
Over 60 heads of state and government joined political leaders, business executives, and experts to engage in meaningful dialogue, seek common ground, and explore opportunities for 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. \"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 said.
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 stated.
Prior to the opening, WEF Founder Klaus Schwab stressed that growing divisions within the world require renewed cooperation, calling for a spirit of optimism and collaboration. He remarked 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.
Jeremy Jurgens, the Managing Director of WEF, also addressed the importance of strong global governance in the face of rapid technological change. He highlighted China's contributions in areas such as economic growth, innovation, and environmental sustainability, underlining the importance of inclusive international collaboration.
Reference(s):
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