World Economic Forum, public.affairs@weforum.org
Tianjin, People’s Republic of China, 20 June 2023 – About 1,500 public- and private-sector leaders from more than 90 countries will come together for the World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting of the New Champions in Tianjin on 27-29 June. China’s Premier Li Qiang will deliver the opening speech, the People’s Republic of China confirmed today.
The meeting will renew momentum for innovation and entrepreneurship to drive growth and a more equitable, sustainable and resilient global economy.
“At this crucial time for economic recovery, the world shares challenges that are best tackled through innovation, dialogue and cooperation,” said Klaus Schwab, Founder and Executive Chairman, World Economic Forum. “This meeting with about 1,500 government, business and other leaders will advance regional and global collaboration to address the world’s most pressing problems.”
The programme covers six key pillars: rewiring growth; China in the global context; energy transition and materials; post-pandemic consumers; safeguarding nature and climate; and deploying innovation. Sessions will address the latest issues on the global agenda – global debt explosion, financial stability, climate action – with systemic relevance for Asia and the rest of the world, as well as the latest innovative technologies with the potential to transform the world, such as generative AI, plant sensors, care tech, batteries and EVs.
“The Annual Meeting of the New Champions 2023, with the theme of ‘Entrepreneurship: The Driving Force of the Global Economy’, provides a platform for dialogue for political and business leaders”, said Gao Jian, Deputy Director General, Department of International Cooperation, National Development and Reform Commission. “The Meeting will help participants gain a deeper understanding of China’s economic performance, high-standard opening up and strengthen confidence in long-term investment in China.”
“It is our vision that to host a conference is to get things done,” said Yang Bing, Vice-Mayor, Tianjin Municipal People’s Government. “We aim to build the Annual Meeting of the New Champions into an important platform, deepening both domestic and international dialogues and cooperation, and showcasing Tianjin. We will make the meeting a green, innovative, open and dynamic international event."
Senior political leaders attending from China include Li Qiang, Premier of the People's Republic of China; Qin Gang, State Councillor and Minister of Foreign Affairs; Wan Gang, President of Chinese Association for Science and Technology; Zheng Shanjie, Chairman of National Development and Reform Commission; Wang Zhigang, Minister of Science and Technology; Yi Gang, Governor of the People’s Bank of China; Wang Wentao, Minister of Commerce, Jin Zhuanglong, Minister of Industry and Information Technology; Zhang Yuzhuo, Chairman of State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission; Zhuang Rongwen, Minister of Cyberspace Administration of China; Jin Xiangjun, Governor of Shanxi Province, Wang Zhengpu, Governor of Hebei Province; and Li Lecheng, Governor of Liaoning Province.
The meeting Co-Chairs are Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala (Director-General, World Trade Organization); Nonkululeko Nyembezi (Chairman, The Standard Bank Group Limited); Patrice Motsepe (Founder and Executive Chairman, African Rainbow Minerals); Benedikt Sobotka (Chief Executive Officer, Eurasian Resources Group); Robin Zeng (Founder, Chairman and CEO, Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Limited); Xin Baoan (Executive Chairman, State Grid Corporation of China); Eric Jing (Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Ant Group); Meirav Oren (Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder, Versatile); Carrie Chan Kai Yi (Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder, Avant Meats); Jeremy Allaire (Co-Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Circle Internet Financial).
More than 25 initiatives will be launched or advanced at the meeting, serving as platforms for ongoing collaboration. The meeting will also spotlight more than 100 entrepreneurs from the Forum's Innovator communities.
“Entrepreneurs are the creators of social wealth and the drivers of innovation,” said Liming Chen, Chair of Greater China, World Economic Forum. “At the heart of the meeting will be the need to spur new momentum for innovation and entrepreneurship across geographies as a means to not only revive growth but also to ultimately put us on a firm trajectory towards a more equitable, sustainable and resilient global economy.”
The Annual Meeting of the New Champions 2023
The 14th Annual Meeting of the New Champions will take place 27-29 June in Tianjin under the theme, “Entrepreneurship: The Driving Force of the Global Economy”. The meeting will renew momentum for innovation and entrepreneurship to drive growth and a more equitable, sustainable and resilient global economy.
Notes to editors
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