The 2025 World Economic Forum's (WEF) annual meeting commenced in Davos, Switzerland, on Monday, bringing together nearly 3,000 participants from 130 countries and regions. With the theme \"Cooperation in the Intelligent Age\", global leaders are converging to address the urgent need for collaboration to tackle shared challenges.
Over 60 heads of state and government, alongside political leaders, business executives, and experts, are participating in the forum. The agenda covers critical topics such as geopolitical tensions, the accelerating climate crisis, and the impacts of rapid technological transformation, particularly artificial intelligence and automation, on the global economy.
Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang emphasized the significance of cooperation in promoting economic globalization during his speech at the forum. 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 highlighted 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.
Prior to the opening, WEF Founder Klaus Schwab underscored the growing divisions within the world that require renewed cooperation. He called for a spirit of optimism and collaboration, stating that the 2025 meeting aims 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 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 forum's discussions are expected to drive meaningful dialogue, find common ground, and seize opportunities for positive change on today's most pressing global issues. As the world navigates the challenges of the Intelligent Age, the call for global cooperation has never been more critical.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
