The 16th Annual Meeting of the New Champions, also known as the Summer Davos, will leverage the spirit of entrepreneurship and technology to drive global cooperation in tackling global challenges, said Gim Huay Neo, managing director at the World Economic Forum (WEF).
The 16th Annual Meeting of the New Champions will take place from June 24 to 26 in north China's Tianjin Municipality.
During an exclusive interview with Global Television Network (CGTN), Neo highlighted that tackling global challenges by harnessing a spirit of entrepreneurship -- driving solutions, bold decision-making, and optimism -- is at core of the upcoming Summer Davos.
"What we would like to do for the upcoming annual meeting in Tianjin is really to harness the spirit of entrepreneurship. And what is this spirit of entrepreneurship that we like to harness, is really a spirit about innovation, finding solutions. It's about the gumption to take risks and make bold decisions for the future. It's also about the need for us to inspire hope and optimism, dynamism in the current context. Entrepreneurs also have humility and eagerness to learn, and they're curious about evolving their ideas. And what we hope to do in Tianjin is really to bring leaders together to exchange ideas, perspectives, so that we can continue to find solutions and partnerships that can help us deal with all these global challenges as a community," she said.
The WEF official noted that technology, particularly AI and quantum computing, offers new growth drivers amid global economic uncertainty.
"The unanimous view among the economists around the world is that economic uncertainties are high, and growth is likely going to be slow, muted. There's a lot of uncertainty, but at the same time, we also see that there are new pockets, drivers of growth, especially in the areas of technology. In Asia, also in China, there has been a lot of investments into technology over the years and it's starting to pay off. New areas whether this is in AI, in quantum computing, where the convergence of technology may actually open up new possibilities and new solutions to deal with many of these global challenges," Neo said.
Additionally, the WEF is actively developing mutually beneficial solutions to mitigate risks arising from trade competition, Neo emphasized.
"Part of what the forum tries to do is to create a platform for constructive dialogue and partnership. We do believe that trade provides opportunities for growth, for innovation, for development. But at the same time, trade competition can also be disruptive to societies. It may mean the loss of jobs. And how do we actually work together, forge solutions for win-win partnerships, and this is what the forum tries to do. One of the working groups that we've actually brought together is where business leaders can meet with policy makers, public figures, international organizations, to engage and share perspectives in terms of how we can promote trade partnerships in a way that will bring about prosperity for everyone," she said.
Summer Davos to harness entrepreneurship, tech to confront global challenges: WEF official
