As World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2025 opens, leaders call for renewed global collaboration in intelligent age

• World Economic Forum founder urges ‘constructive optimism’, while its president highlights the need for new pathways to greater cooperation in an era of heightened geopolitical uncertainty
• Leaders including Switzerland’s president, Germany’s chancellor, Ukraine’s president, China’s vice-premier, Viet Nam’s prime minister, South Africa’s president and Israel’s president presented their priorities
• Cooperation and dialogue in a time of uncertainty emerged as key themes, with calls for new global partnerships and geostrategic adaptation common among European leaders in particular
• Economic transformation through innovation, sustainability and inclusive development also took centre stage, as leaders highlighted pathways to prosperity and resilience across regions

Davos, Switzerland: Addressing a gathering of global leaders, World Economic Forum Founder and Chairman of the Board of Trustees Klaus Schwab, officially opened the 55th Annual Meeting, setting the tone for the week by highlighting the meeting’s theme: Collaboration for the Intelligent Age.

 “This transition from the Industrial to the Intelligent Age is occurring at an exponential pace, carrying unprecedented risks for humanity as we strive to prepare and adapt for its complexities, he said. “Yet, it also offers significant opportunities to transcend our current challenges and spark a new renaissance – one defined by advancements in knowledge, health, culture and societal welfare.”

 Schwab called on the global community to rise to the moment with “constructive optimism”, urging stakeholders from all sectors – government, business, civil society and academia – to unite in crafting solutions to shared challenges. “By embracing constructive optimism and believing in our collective capacity and commitment to improving the state of the world, we can shape the Intelligent Age as an age where every human being can realise their full potential.”

 Speaking at what he described as “one of the most uncertain geopolitical and geoeconomic moments in generations,” World Economic Forum President and CEO Børge Brende, stressed that the world is at a critical inflection point and that 2025 will be a year of enormous consequence. “The longstanding international order that existed for the last three decades has receded. We need to find more effective ways to work together. It is the only way forward.”

 In these turbulent times, democratic and liberal values serve as a critical signpost for stability and progress, said President of the Swiss Confederation 2025; Federal Councillor; Head of the Federal Department of Finance of Switzerland, Federal Department of Finance of Switzerland Karin Keller-Sutter, adding that open markets, fair and transparent rules and fiscal discipline are the cornerstones of sustained prosperity. “Only a state with stable institutions can create a sound environment where everyone can realise their potential, and a state must protect this freedom with rules.”

 Also reflecting on the changing world order, the European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, outlined Europe’s plan to adapt to a new era of “harsh geostrategic competition” by increasing its competitiveness, strengthening global partnerships and maintaining its commitment to sustainable development.

 “To sustain our growth in the next quarter of the century, Europe must shift gears,” she said. “We should not take anything for granted. We must look for new opportunities wherever they arise. This is the moment to engage beyond blocs and taboos. And Europe is ready for change.”

 German Chancellor Olaf Scholz called for renewed commitments to security and prosperity in the face of global challenges, emphasising that partnerships serve as the “engine for successful economic development.” He highlighted plans to reform German public debt regulations to strengthen domestic growth and emphasised Europe’s need to strengthen its defence capabilities and industrial base. His remarks acknowledged geopolitical challenges and uncertainties related to the new administration in Washington, but highlighted optimism about opportunities in emerging technologies.

 As the war in Ukraine nears its third year, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged Europe to solidify its position as a leading global power. Highlighting the need for unity and strategic investment, he emphasised that the continent must prioritise alliances, technological advancements, and a cohesive security and defence policy. He pointed to existing models of cooperation in Ukraine’s defence as examples of how collective action can strengthen Europe as a whole.

 “Europe needs to compete for the top spot in priorities, alliances and technological development,” Zelenskyy stated. “We need a united European security and defence policy, and all European countries must be willing to spend as much on security as is truly needed.”

 Amid rising geopolitical tensions,  the People’s Republic of China Vice-Premier Ding Xuexiang, warned against the growing fragmentation of the global economic system and rising protectionism, emphasising that “trade war has no winners”. He advocated for a universally beneficial globalisation process, reaffirming China’s commitment to a UN-centred multilateral order and calling for greater cooperation in scientific and technological innovation to ensure equitable advancements for all nations.

 Ding also addressed global challenges such as climate change and economic inequality, urging nations to pursue green transitions and foster sustainable development through inclusive dialogue and partnership. Highlighting China’s economic resilience, progress in green energy and ongoing reforms, he asserted that China’s growth contributes to global stability and prosperity. “China’s door of opening up will not be closed and will only open even wider, and our business environment will only get better,” Ding said.

 Viet Nam Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, reaffirmed the country’s commitment to leveraging artificial intelligence (AI). “We aim to prioritise the establishment of research and development centres, particularly in high-technology sectors. These efforts will not only advance technological innovation, but also position Viet Nam as a hub for high-tech manufacturing and development in the region,” he added.

 With South Africa recently assuming the G20 Presidency, South Africa President Cyril Ramaphosa, outlined Africa’s objectives for the G20 Summit, set to take place in Johannesburg in November 2025, the first to be hosted in Africa. He said South Africa will focus its G20 Presidency on three themes: solidarity, equality and sustainable development.

 “As we confront the challenges of the 21st century – from climate change to pandemics, from poverty to terrorism, from migration to AI – we are again called upon to harness that most powerful, and that most enduring, of human attributes: mutually beneficial cooperation and collaboration,” he said.

 Navigating the ongoing challenges of regional instability, Israel President Isaac Herzog, welcomed the recent ceasefire and release of three hostages, but cautioned against unwarranted optimism. “I want to be lucid and cautious…there are opportunities, but still risks. We must ensure this never happens again,” he said.