The 2025 World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting commenced on Monday in Davos, Switzerland, drawing nearly 3,000 participants from 130 countries and regions. Under the theme \"Cooperation in the Intelligent Age,\" world leaders, business executives, and experts are gathering to address the urgent need for global collaboration in tackling shared challenges.
With over 60 heads of state and government in attendance, the forum aims to foster meaningful dialogue on critical issues ranging from geopolitical tensions and the accelerating climate crisis to the profound impact of artificial intelligence and automation on the global economy.
Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang highlighted the significance of cooperation in promoting economic globalization during his keynote speech. He stated, \"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.\"
Echoing this sentiment, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized the necessity of global cooperation to prevent economic fragmentation. \"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 importance of renewed collaboration amidst growing global divisions. \"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 forum, stressing the need for 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 gathering in Davos represents a significant opportunity for global leaders to find common ground and seize opportunities for positive change. As the world navigates the complexities of the Intelligent Age, the emphasis on unity and cooperation at WEF 2025 sets a hopeful tone for addressing the pressing issues of our time.
