World Economic Forum Convenes 15th Annual Meeting of the New Champions

Published
18 Jun 2024
2024
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  • The international meeting will be hosted in Dalian, People’s Republic of China, on 25-27 June.
  • Around 1,600 global leaders from nearly 80 countries and regions will explore the "Next Frontiers for Growth", as the world faces an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape and economic uncertainty.
  • The meeting will harness collective insights to identify and advance new models of sustainable, equitable growth, with a focus on entrepreneurship and innovation.
  • To watch livestreamed sessions from the meeting visit wef.ch/amnc24 and share on social media using the hashtag #amnc24, or #2024夏季达沃# on Weibo and WeChat.

Dalian, People’s Republic of China, 18 June 2024 – The World Economic Forum will host the 15th Annual Meeting of the New Champions in Dalian, People's Republic of China, from 25 to 27 June 2024. The event will bring together around 1,600 leaders from business, government, civil society, international organizations and academia to forge partnerships and innovative, impact-oriented solutions that can spur a global economic recovery.

This year's theme, "Next Frontiers for Growth", aims to address the challenges and opportunities presented by a rapidly changing global landscape. Participants will engage in high-level discussions and workshops designed to foster cooperation and explore new avenues for growth. The meeting will also provide a timely update on China’s economic outlook and that of Asia at large, a region that continues to drive two-thirds of all global growth.

"In the face of unprecedented global challenges, the power of collaboration and innovation cannot be overstated," said Klaus Schwab, Founder and Executive Chairman, World Economic Forum. "The Annual Meeting of the New Champions will provide a unique platform for leaders to come together, share insights and drive forward-thinking solutions that can shape the future of the global economy."

“Under the theme “Next Frontiers for Growth,” the Annual Meeting of the New Champions 2024 convenes global leaders from diverse sectors - including government, business, academia, and media - to collectively delve into innovative drivers and paths for global economic advancement," said Mr. Pan Jiang, Director-General, Department of International Cooperation, National Development and Reform Commission. “Through robust dialogue and collaboration, the conference aims to forge a unified vision for development. Anticipated to highlight China's impressive economic and social progress, as well as its commitment to high-level openness, AMNC 2024 will also present the international community with the opportunities arising from China's modernization journey.”

The programme will be shaped around six key pillars:

  • A New Global Economy – The global economy is projected to grow by 3.1% in 2024, signalling a shift to a new normal rather than a return to past models. Governments are focusing on technology and green industries to ensure competitiveness, while geoeconomic competition dampens trade. The meeting will address how leaders can manage inflation through coordinated monetary policy and foster sustainable and inclusive growth.
  • China and the World – China is set to contribute over a quarter of global growth in 2024 despite structural challenges. Its clean energy sector and R&D investment are key drivers. The meeting will explore how to harness China's potential for global growth and promote cooperation amid geopolitical tensions.
  • Entrepreneurship in the Age of AI – Generative AI investment is surging, with potential business investment reaching $200 billion by 2025. Start-ups are leading this growth, alongside advancements in biotechnology and quantum computing. The meeting will focus on how leaders can anticipate and apply future technological advancements more effectively.
  • New Frontiers for Industries – Technology is now a major driver of change post-pandemic, but many feel unprepared for its rapid evolution. The transition to a net-zero economy is also crucial, requiring industries to take urgent actions. The meeting will discuss strategies for industry transformation that can help unlock new global growth sources.
  • Investing in People – Nearly a quarter of jobs and 44% of workers' skills will face disruption in the next five years due to geoeconomics, technology and the green transition. Addressing this requires coordinated efforts to reskill and upskill the workforce. The meeting will explore innovative approaches to manage shifting skill demands and ensure a resilient workforce.
  • Connecting Climate, Nature and Energy – Climate change poses significant risks, and greater investment in cleaner energy is needed, especially in emerging markets which face a $2.2 trillion investment gap. The meeting will adopt a holistic approach to achieve a carbon-neutral and nature-positive world.

“Scientific and technological progress is a key driver of economic development,” said Liming Chen, Chair of Greater China, World Economic Forum. “Our upcoming meeting in Asia – the engine room of global growth, with China remaining as its single largest contributor will provide a timely opportunity to collaboratively advance the dynamic potential of innovation and set the stage for sustainable economic momentum, in the region and beyond."

More than 100 senior political leaders, from around 30 countries and regions will participate in the Meeting. Leading the dialogue,10 global leaders from government, the private sector and international organizations will co-chair the event: Bonnie Chan Yiting, Chief Executive Officer, Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing; Shin Hak Cheol, Chief Executive Officer, LG Chem; Andre Hoffmann, Chairman, Massellaz, and Vice-Chairman, Roche; Paula Ingabire, Minister of Information Communication Technology and Innovation of Rwanda; Jeffrey Lu Minfang, Vice-Chairman, China Mengniu Dairy Co.; Busi Mabuza, Chairwoman, Industrial Development Corporation of South Africa; Amina Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General, United Nations; Rafizi Ramli, Minister of Economic Affairs at Economic Planning Unit of Malaysia; Paul Simpson, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Cornerstone United Holdings Jamaica; and Wen Shugang, Chairman, China Huaneng Group.

The meeting will be accessible to the public through the livestreaming of over 50 sessions, including the Opening Plenary, the China Economic Outlook and Cooperation in a Competitive World.

“Dalian will increase the influence of the Forum with its openness and inclusiveness, amplify the spillover effect through economic and trade interactions, highlight the characteristics of the era with technological empowerment, promote green transformation by the means of energy conservation and carbon reduction, deepen cultural exchanges with culture as the medium, and reflect the quality of the city by providing meticulous services,” said Chen Shaowang, Mayor, Dalian Municipal People's Government.

All opinions expressed are those of the author. The World Economic Forum Blog is an independent and neutral platform dedicated to generating debate around the key topics that shape global, regional and industry agendas.

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