What to Expect at WEF 2025 and China’s Key Role
The World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting 2025 is set to take place from January 20 to 24 in Davos-Klosters, Switzerland. Under the theme “Collaboration for the Intelligent Age,” global leaders from governments, businesses, and civil society will gather to address pressing global and regional challenges.
Participants will delve into critical issues such as responding to geopolitical shocks, stimulating growth to improve living standards, and managing a just and inclusive energy transition. The program centers around five interconnected thematic priorities:
- Rebuilding Trust
- Reimagining Growth
- Investing in People
- Safeguarding the Planet
- Industries in the Intelligent Age
These priorities focus on balancing short-term goals with long-term imperatives as industries transform in the intelligent age.
A Call for Global Cooperation
Amid escalating geopolitical conflicts and regional instability, global cooperation has hit a low point. A recent report released by the WEF emphasizes the need for the international community to actively explore paths for collaboration to tackle common challenges.
Borge Brende, President of the World Economic Forum, highlighted the importance of unity, stating, “In the face of a challenging global situation, cooperation is the only way to address major economic, environmental, and technological challenges.”
Understanding the World Economic Forum
Founded in 1971 by Swiss-German economist Klaus Schwab, the World Economic Forum is an international not-for-profit organization headquartered in Geneva. It focuses on bringing together the public and private sectors to address global political, social, and economic issues. The annual meetings in Davos have become synonymous with efforts to foster international cooperation.
China’s Significant Role
China has been an active participant in the WEF since 1979, reflecting its commitment to reform and opening up. At the WEF Annual Meeting 2024, Chinese Premier Li Qiang delivered a special address, sharing insights on tackling global challenges and understanding China’s economy.
Premier Li emphasized the need to avoid “fragmented and separate responses” to global crises. He called for strengthened macroeconomic policy coordination and a firm commitment to the multilateral trading system to create synergy for global growth. “China will stay committed to the fundamental national policy of opening up and open its door even wider to the world,” Li affirmed.
Klaus Schwab expressed gratitude for China’s proposals, noting they offer “a trustful outlook for China’s economy.” Jiang Ying, Chair of Deloitte China, remarked that Premier Li’s address conveyed an unwavering determination to promote an open world economy and confidence in sharing China’s development opportunities globally.
China contributes a diverse and stable industrial supply system and an extensive consumer market to the global economy. Its continuous innovation injects new vitality into global industrial prosperity.
Looking Ahead to WEF 2025
As the world faces unprecedented challenges, the WEF Annual Meeting 2025 serves as a crucial platform for fostering collaboration. China’s active participation underscores its significant role in global economic development and cooperation.
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What can we expect from the 2025 WEF and why does China matter?
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