The 2025 World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting 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,\" global leaders and experts are convening to address pressing challenges through renewed collaboration.
With over 60 heads of state and government in attendance, the forum aims to foster meaningful dialogue on critical issues such as geopolitical tensions, the accelerating climate crisis, and the transformative impact of artificial intelligence and automation on the global economy.
Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang highlighted the importance of cooperation in advancing economic globalization during his keynote speech. \"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.\"
Echoing this sentiment, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized the necessity of global unity. \"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.
WEF Founder Klaus Schwab underscored the urgency of renewed cooperation amid growing global divisions. He called for a spirit of optimism and collaboration 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, Managing Director of WEF, addressed the critical role of strong global governance in the face of rapid technological change. He highlighted the contributions of the Chinese mainland in areas such as economic growth, innovation, and environmental sustainability, underlining the importance of inclusive international collaboration.
The discussions at WEF 2025 are expected to pave the way for policies and partnerships that address today's most pressing global issues. As the intelligent age unfolds, leaders are seeking common ground to harness technology's potential while mitigating risks, ensuring that advancements contribute to a more equitable and prosperous world.
Reference(s):
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