Uncertainty over the current situation in the Middle East has been raising concerns among global experts at the Summer Davos Forum in north China's Tianjin Municipality, with many hoping a solution can be found to prevent the crisis threatening global economic stability and placing further strain on international relations.
The three-day Summer Davos 2025, officially the 16th World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting of the New Champions, began on Tuesday, drawing around 1,800 participants from nearly 90 countries and regions.
Attendees at the event shared their concerns with China Global Television Network (CGTN) about how the Middle East crisis could amplify uncertainties already challenging global stability.
"The situation in the Middle East is very volatile. It has been volatile for my entire lifetime, really," said Jeffry A. Frieden, professor of international and public affairs and political science at Columbia University.
"The truth is that there's no benefit in war, right?" said Chukwudi Edosa, curator for Nigeria's Global Shapers Community Kaduna Hub.
Jane Drummond, chief commercial officer of professional services firm Aon's Asia-Pacific division, said that the fears around the tensions in the Middle East are a real daily concern.
Given that this region is a prime supplier of fossil fuels, she also stressed the importance of diversifying energy sources, including exploring new provider options and promoting green transition, to ensure a reliable energy supply.
"I think diversification of energy sources is really important. Continued investment, especially into places like Southeast Asia, where we are still heavily reliant on coal. So I think diversification into renewables and other sources of energy is super important," she said.
Attendees highlighted that securing lasting peace is the key to addressing these challenges effectively.
"So if there's any way we could come together, sit around a table, and bring peace, I think that would be what I would look forward to. And I pray and hope that the leaders that are involved are able to come together and find a way around this," said Edosa.
"I think over the next few years, we will see a reorientation of a lot of the political relations within the region, and economic relations as well, working themselves out. Hard to say exactly how that happens. But my hope would be that this eruption of conflict is a limited series of events that can be contained, and that the region can move forward towards some more lasting peace and prosperity," said Frieden.
Summer Davos attendees warn of Middle East tensions undermining global stability
