Addressing a gathering of global leaders on January 21, World Economic Forum (WEF) founder and chairperson Klaus Schwab called on the global community to embrace "constructive optimism", urging stakeholders from all sectors – government, business, civil society and academia – to unite in crafting solutions to shared challenges brought about by the transition from the industrial to the intelligent age.

“This [transition] is occurring at an exponential pace, carrying unprecedented risks for humanity as we strive to prepare and adapt for its complexities. 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,” he said at the fifty-fifth yearly meeting in Davos, Switzerland, highlighting the theme of the gathering: ‘Collaboration for the intelligent age’.

“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,” he said.

Speaking at what he described as “one of the most uncertain geopolitical and geoeconomic moments in generations", WEF president and CEO Børge Brende stressed that the world was at a critical inflection point and that this would 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,” he asserted.
 
In these turbulent times, democratic and liberal values serve as a critical signpost for stability and progress, Swiss Confederation 2025 president, federal councillor and Switzerland Federal Department of Finance head Karin Keller-Sutter said, adding that open markets, fair and transparent rules and fiscal discipline were 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,” she said.
 
Also reflecting on the changing world order, 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. 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,” she said.
 
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz called for renewed commitments to security and prosperity in the face of global challenges, emphasising that partnerships served 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 in the US under newly inaugurated President Donald Trump, but highlighted optimism about opportunities in emerging technologies.
 
As the war in Ukraine nears its third year, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky 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 could strengthen Europe as a whole.
 
“Europe needs to compete for the top spot in priorities, alliances and technological development. 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,” he said.
 
Amid rising geopolitical tensions, China vice-premier Ding Xuexiang warned against the growing fragmentation of the global economic system and rising protectionism, stating that a “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 contributed 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.
 
Vietnam PM Pham Minh Chinh reaffirmed the country's commitment to leveraging 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 Vietnam as a hub for high-tech manufacturing and development in the region,” he added.
 
With South Africa recently assuming the Group of Twenty (G20) presidency, President Cyril Ramaphosa outlined Africa's objectives for the G20 Summit, set to take place in Johannesburg in November, the first to be hosted in Africa.

He said South Africa would focus its G20 presidency on three themes: solidarity, equality and sustainable development.
 
“As we confront the challenges of the twenty-first 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.