The World Economic Forum (WEF) is set to hold its annual meeting from January 20 to 24 in Davos, Switzerland. This gathering is expected to bring together close to 3,000 leaders from politics, academia, and business, including 60 heads of state and government.
Throughout its history, the WEF has sparked numerous bilateral and multilateral discussions aimed at exploring and addressing global and local issues critical to the international community. For instance, in 1992, Nelson Mandela and F.W. de Klerk met outside South Africa for the first time at Davos, symbolizing a turning point in the fight against apartheid. In 1998, amid a financial crisis, the idea of creating a regular dialogue platform between developed and developing nations emerged, leading to the groundwork for the Group of 20.
This year's agenda is anticipated to be even more critical. Geopolitical and economic uncertainties, trade tensions, cultural polarization, and climate challenges are becoming increasingly complex and interconnected. Meanwhile, new technological breakthroughs in quantum computing, biotechnology, and artificial intelligence are creating unique opportunities to improve productivity, raise living standards, and reduce poverty and inequality.
Davos 2025 will center on the theme \"Collaborating for the Intelligent Age.\" This highlights how converging technologies are rapidly transforming our world with the potential to both uplift and divide humanity. Under this overarching theme, the forum will focus on five priorities: \"Rethinking Growth,\" \"Industries in the Intelligent Age,\" \"Investing in People,\" \"Safeguarding the Planet,\" and \"Rebuilding Trust.\"
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
