The upcoming World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting, scheduled from January 20 to 24 in Davos, Switzerland, is set to convene nearly 3,000 leaders from politics, academia, and business, including 60 heads of state and government. This gathering is poised to address global and local issues of critical importance to the international community.
Throughout its history, the WEF has facilitated significant bilateral and multilateral discussions. Notably, in 1992, Nelson Mandela and F.W. de Klerk met outside South Africa for the first time at Davos, symbolizing a pivotal moment in the global fight against apartheid. In 1998, amid a financial crisis, the idea of creating a dialogue platform between developed and developing nations emerged, laying the groundwork for the Group of 20 (G20).
The increasing gap between aspirations and anxieties was evident last year, and the agenda for Davos 2025 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, breakthroughs in quantum computing, biotechnology, and artificial intelligence offer unique opportunities to enhance productivity, improve living standards, and reduce poverty and inequality.
Davos 2025 will center on the theme \"Collaborating for the Intelligent Age,\" highlighting how converging technologies are rapidly transforming our world with the potential to both uplift and divide humanity. The forum will focus on five priorities:
- Rethinking Growth
- Industries in the Intelligent Age
- Investing in People
- Safeguarding the Planet
- Rebuilding Trust
As the world navigates these challenges and opportunities, the WEF provides a crucial platform for leaders to collaborate and forge pathways toward a more inclusive and sustainable future.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
