Global leaders and influential figures from around the world have converged on Davos, Switzerland, for the 2025 Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF), which commenced on Monday. With nearly 3,000 participants from 130 countries and regions, the gathering underscores the urgent need for international collaboration to address shared global challenges.
Under the theme \"Cooperation in the Intelligent Age,\" the event is set to tackle critical issues ranging from geopolitical tensions and the accelerating climate crisis to the rapid technological transformation impacting artificial intelligence and automation in the global economy.
Over 60 heads of state and government, alongside political leaders, business executives, and experts, are participating in meaningful dialogues aimed at finding common ground and seizing opportunities to effect positive change on today's most pressing global issues.
Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang highlighted the importance of cooperation in promoting economic globalization during his address. \"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 stated.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also emphasized the necessity of 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 remarked.
Before the opening, WEF Founder Klaus Schwab called for renewed cooperation amidst growing global divisions, urging a 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, the managing director of WEF, 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 significance of inclusive international collaboration.
Reference(s):
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