World Economic Forum (WEF) President Borge Brende described the current geopolitical backdrop for the ongoing16th Annual Meeting of the New Champions, also known as the Summer Davos, as "the most complicated since 1945," but said he was cautiously optimistic about the world economy.
In an exclusive interview on Tuesday with China Global Television Network (CGTN) on the sidelines of the event held from June 24 to 26 in north China's Tianjin Municipality, Brende highlighted the crises in the Middle East and Ukraine.
Brende emphasized that the international community's collective priority must be to prevent the conflicts from escalating while averting collateral damage to global trade systems.
"I have to say that the geopolitical backdrop that this meeting is happening against is maybe the most complicated since 1945. And we hope for also a de-escalation in the Middle East, so we don't see a full-fledged war. I still do hope and think there is a possibility for a de-escalation when it comes to the wars, to find a path towards peace in the Middle East but also in Ukraine, and that there is a way to work together also, so you avoid trade wars," he said.
Brende said his optimism for the global economy was in part due to rapid technological transformation which was driving productivity and prosperity.
"And based on that, the new technologies can increase productivity, and productivity -- what is that? That is producing more for less and that is prosperity, that's the only way to increase people's welfare, to have more resources, to invest in education, in health and people's livelihoods. So I don't think we should lose the optimism in such a situation either. But one also has to be realistic and not naive," he said.
Featuring the theme "Entrepreneurship for a New Era," the 2025 Summer Davos is gathering over 1,700 leading figures from more than 90 countries and regions to explore how entrepreneurship and emerging technologies can unlock more dynamic and resilient economies.
2025 Summer Davos faces most complicated geopolitical backdrop: WEF president
The Iranian government is focusing on public concerns and maintaining stable supplies of essential goods amid recent protests, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a televised interview on Sunday.
In the city of Karaj, northwest of the capital Tehran, daily life has largely continued as normal. A video filmed by a local resident on Sunday shows food stores open and grocery shelves fully stocked.
"This is the block near my home, and there are some food stores here. Daily life continues here. Last night we did not see many protests in Karaj. Right now the city is very safe. This is a grocery store close to my home. All the food is available; nothing is in shortage. Here are noodles and different types of beans. Here are dairy products, cheese, and yogurt. I also checked other grocery stores and didn't see any shortages. Everything is available," said local resident Ali Reza.
Iranian officials have described recent disturbances as acts orchestrated by the "enemy," including some carried out by well-trained and armed "terrorists." The incidents have caused casualties among security personnel and civilians, as well as property damage.
The Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani has directed authorities to severely punish the "terrorists."
Meanwhile, Iran's police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan said on Sunday that the police had raised alert levels and arrested several leaders of the troublemakers during the operations on Saturday.
President Pezeshkian noted in the interview that the normal demands of the Iranian people are reasonable and justified, but they must realize that triggering riots and carrying out terrorist acts are the enemy's attempts to undermine the country. He urged the public to remain vigilant.
Also on Sunday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that Tehran would regard U.S. and Israeli bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" if Washington takes military action against Iran. His remarks followed media reports saying U.S. President Donald Trump is "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran.
Iranian state media reported that at least 109 members of Iran's security forces have been killed in clashes since the protests began 14 days ago. Meanwhile, human rights groups based outside the country said the number of protesters killed has exceeded 200, though the figure could not be independently verified.
The protests initially erupted over a sharp depreciation of the rial and sweeping subsidy reforms. Iranian authorities have blamed the unrest on foreign-linked agents and sanctions imposed by the United States.
Iranian president says government focusing on ensuring supplies amid protests
