The 2025 World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting opened 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, business executives, and experts are gathering to address the urgent need for collaboration in tackling shared challenges.
With over 60 heads of state and government in attendance, the event is poised to facilitate meaningful dialogue on critical topics ranging from geopolitical tensions and the accelerating climate crisis to rapid technological transformations such as artificial intelligence and automation impacting the global economy.
Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang highlighted 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,\" he stated. \"I believe we have the wisdom and capability to find mutually beneficial cooperation through communication and consultation.\"
Echoing this sentiment, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized the need for 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.
Before the opening, WEF Founder Klaus Schwab called for renewed cooperation amid growing divisions in the world. He urged a spirit of optimism and collaboration, aiming 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,\" Schwab said.
Jeremy Jurgens, Managing Director of the WEF, underscored 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, emphasizing the necessity of inclusive international collaboration.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
