The 2025 edition of the annual World Economic Forum (WEF) meeting commenced in Davos, Switzerland, on Monday, drawing nearly 3,000 participants from 130 countries and regions. Under the theme \"Cooperation in the Intelligent Age,\" the gathering aims to address the urgent need for global collaboration to tackle shared challenges.
The event brings together over 60 heads of state and government, alongside political leaders, business executives, and experts. The attendees are set to engage in meaningful dialogue on critical topics ranging from geopolitical tensions and the accelerating climate crisis to rapid technological transformation and the impact of artificial intelligence and automation on the global economy.
In his address, 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. 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 echoed this sentiment, underscoring the necessity of working together to maintain the integrity of the global economy. \"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.
Before the meeting's opening, WEF Founder Klaus Schwab highlighted the growing divisions within the world and called for a renewed spirit of optimism and collaboration. \"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, 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.
The WEF meeting in Davos continues to be a pivotal platform for leaders to find common ground and seize opportunities for making positive changes on today's most pressing global issues. As the world navigates the complexities of the Intelligent Age, global cooperation remains essential to ensure a sustainable and inclusive future.
Reference(s):
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