The 17th Summer Davos Forum Opens – Initiating Diverse Dialogue and Seeking Pragmatic Solutions
On the coast of the Yellow Sea and Bohai Sea, the world's attention once again gathers in Dalian.
From June 23 to 25, the World Economic Forum's 17th Annual Meeting of the New Champions (Summer Davos Forum), themed "Scale Innovation," will be held here. This year's annual meeting features over 200 sessions. More than 1,700 representatives from politics, business, academia, and media, spanning over 90 countries and regions, will gather to spark ideas and seek pragmatic solutions on core topics such as growth, technology, employment, energy, and the future of the global economy.
Entering the main venue of the annual meeting, the Dalian International Conference Center, the New Champions Village, broadcasting studios, foresight spaces, and interactive areas are densely distributed. Sofas are placed in the corridors connecting these spaces, allowing participants to sit and exchange ideas at any time.
"This year's annual meeting innovates the venue layout by integrating various conference functional areas on the same floor for the first time, greatly improving the efficiency of movement and communication for attendees," said Severin Podolock, Global Director of Conference Operations at the World Economic Forum.
This annual meeting has attracted significant attention, with a record-breaking number of participants. Facing global challenges, all parties are full of expectations for initiating diverse dialogue and sharing development opportunities.
"This is my first time participating in the Summer Davos Forum. As the global economic and supply chain landscape is rapidly reshaping, I am very much looking forward to using this cross-regional and cross-industry platform to engage in in-depth exchanges with all parties, jointly discuss the opportunities and challenges facing enterprises, and find the next stage of economic growth points," said Ding Zejuan, President of Maersk Greater China.
"Discussions on topics such as technological development will affect how we and our customers jointly meet challenges and innovate," said Xie Haiqin, Deputy General Manager of Kaos COSMO Plat Co., Ltd., an industrial internet platform incubated by Haier. She will participate in the "Learning Factory" professional forum, the "Lighthouse Factory" award dinner, and other activities, believing that sharing and exchange will bring new inspiration.
"Currently, the global shipping industry has entered a critical period of transformation. Green fuels, digital technologies, and new safety regulatory frameworks will move from pilot projects to full-scale systematic implementation across the industry," said Kalle, Senior Vice President of DNV and General Manager of Greater China. "I look forward to in-depth discussions with people from all walks of life to jointly build a more resilient and sustainable ocean economy."
Ji Zhijian, Chairman of Dalian Bingshan Group, said: "We are very focused on the development trends of green and low-carbon technologies during the critical period of global energy transformation. At the same time, we hope to use the annual meeting platform to learn from international advanced business models, connect with global partners, and explore new opportunities for reform, innovation, and cooperation."
This year marks the start of China's 15th Five-Year Plan. The 15th Five-Year Plan not only concerns China's medium- and long-term development but also has significant global spillover effects. This annual meeting has set up multiple sessions to interpret China's 15th Five-Year Plan outline.
"The World Economic Forum is always committed to working with China to tackle challenges, seize opportunities, and jointly promote the world's development," said Liang Jinhui, Executive Director and Member of the Management Committee of the World Economic Forum and Chair of Greater China. "This annual meeting is held against a complex backdrop of turbulence and change. Technology may bring some hope, but what is crucial is the interaction and connection between people. Dialogue, trust, and cooperation will be more important than ever before."
This year marks the ninth time the Summer Davos Forum has been held in Dalian. The annual meeting will fully implement the concept of green and sustainable development throughout its duration. The main venues and other core facilities will be directly supplied with 100% new energy green electricity, reducing carbon emissions by approximately 800 tons. The utilization rates of construction materials recycling and waste resource recovery will exceed 85% and 90%, respectively. "Over 20 years of mutual commitment and sincere cooperation, the annual meeting and Dalian have complemented and benefited each other. Dalian is ready to welcome guests from all walks of life at home and abroad," said a key leader of the Dalian municipal government.
Authors: Hu Jingyi, Li Yan
Editor: Zeng Lingjin
