emirates7 - Klaus Schwab, founder and chairman of the Board of Trustees of the World Economic Forum (WEF), highlighted the essential role of collaboration in navigating the shift from the Industrial Age to the era of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Addressing the 55th WEF Annual Meeting in Davos, Schwab remarked, “The transition from the Industrial to the Intelligent Age is accelerating at an exponential rate, presenting humanity with unprecedented risks as we adapt to its complexities."
However, Schwab noted that this transition also brings vast opportunities, potentially sparking a new era of innovation in knowledge, health, culture, and societal well-being.
He urged the global community to embrace "constructive optimism," calling on stakeholders from governments, businesses, civil society, and academia to unite in addressing shared challenges. “By fostering optimism and believing in our collective capacity to improve the world, we can shape the Intelligent Age into a time where every individual can achieve their full potential,” he said.
Børge Brende, WEF President and CEO, emphasized the world’s current critical turning point, predicting 2025 as a year of significant consequence. "The international order that prevailed over the past three decades has diminished. We must find more effective ways to collaborate—it is the only viable path forward," he stated.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen outlined Europe's strategy to adapt to a new era of "intense geostrategic competition," focusing on enhancing competitiveness, building global partnerships, and sustaining development.
“To ensure growth in the coming decades, Europe must accelerate its efforts,” von der Leyen said. “We cannot take anything for granted and must seize new opportunities wherever they arise. Now is the time to engage beyond traditional boundaries, and Europe is prepared to lead this change.”
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz emphasized the importance of recommitting to security and prosperity in the face of global challenges, highlighting partnerships as a driving force for economic progress.
Chinese Vice-Premier Ding Xuexiang cautioned against the increasing fragmentation of the global economy and championed inclusive globalization. He reaffirmed China's support for a UN-centered multilateral framework and called for enhanced cooperation in scientific and technological innovation to ensure equitable advancements worldwide.
Vietnam’s Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh reiterated the nation’s commitment to AI development, emphasizing plans to establish research and development hubs, particularly in high-tech industries. "These initiatives will promote technological innovation and position Vietnam as a leading regional hub for high-tech manufacturing and development," he added.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, with South Africa recently taking on the G20 Presidency, outlined Africa’s priorities for the G20 Summit, set to be held in Johannesburg in November 2025—the first G20 Summit hosted in Africa. Ramaphosa stated that the summit would focus on three key themes: solidarity, equality, and sustainable development.
Addressing the 55th WEF Annual Meeting in Davos, Schwab remarked, “The transition from the Industrial to the Intelligent Age is accelerating at an exponential rate, presenting humanity with unprecedented risks as we adapt to its complexities."
However, Schwab noted that this transition also brings vast opportunities, potentially sparking a new era of innovation in knowledge, health, culture, and societal well-being.
He urged the global community to embrace "constructive optimism," calling on stakeholders from governments, businesses, civil society, and academia to unite in addressing shared challenges. “By fostering optimism and believing in our collective capacity to improve the world, we can shape the Intelligent Age into a time where every individual can achieve their full potential,” he said.
Børge Brende, WEF President and CEO, emphasized the world’s current critical turning point, predicting 2025 as a year of significant consequence. "The international order that prevailed over the past three decades has diminished. We must find more effective ways to collaborate—it is the only viable path forward," he stated.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen outlined Europe's strategy to adapt to a new era of "intense geostrategic competition," focusing on enhancing competitiveness, building global partnerships, and sustaining development.
“To ensure growth in the coming decades, Europe must accelerate its efforts,” von der Leyen said. “We cannot take anything for granted and must seize new opportunities wherever they arise. Now is the time to engage beyond traditional boundaries, and Europe is prepared to lead this change.”
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz emphasized the importance of recommitting to security and prosperity in the face of global challenges, highlighting partnerships as a driving force for economic progress.
Chinese Vice-Premier Ding Xuexiang cautioned against the increasing fragmentation of the global economy and championed inclusive globalization. He reaffirmed China's support for a UN-centered multilateral framework and called for enhanced cooperation in scientific and technological innovation to ensure equitable advancements worldwide.
Vietnam’s Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh reiterated the nation’s commitment to AI development, emphasizing plans to establish research and development hubs, particularly in high-tech industries. "These initiatives will promote technological innovation and position Vietnam as a leading regional hub for high-tech manufacturing and development," he added.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, with South Africa recently taking on the G20 Presidency, outlined Africa’s priorities for the G20 Summit, set to be held in Johannesburg in November 2025—the first G20 Summit hosted in Africa. Ramaphosa stated that the summit would focus on three key themes: solidarity, equality, and sustainable development.