The 2025 World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting opened on Monday in Davos, Switzerland, drawing nearly 3,000 participants from 130 countries and regions. Under the theme \"Cooperation in the Intelligent Age,\" global leaders convened to address the urgent need for collaboration in tackling shared challenges.
Attendees include over 60 heads of state and government, alongside political leaders, business executives, and experts. They aim to foster meaningful dialogue, find common ground, and seize opportunities to effect positive change on today's most pressing global issues.
Emphasis on Global Cooperation
Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang emphasized the significance 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,\" Ding said. \"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.\"
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen echoed this sentiment, stressing the need for 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 stated.
Shaping a Sustainable Future
WEF Founder Klaus Schwab highlighted the growing divisions within the world and called for renewed cooperation.
\"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, 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.
As the WEF 2025 continues, participants are expected to engage in discussions that will shape policies and partnerships aimed at building a more sustainable and inclusive future in the Intelligent Age.
Reference(s):
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