China: We are thrilled to share that the 16th Annual Meeting of the New Champions 2025, also referred to as “Summer Davos,” of the World Economic Forum will be held from June 24 to 26, 2025, in the bustling city of Tianjin, People’s Republic of China.
More than 1,700 inspirational world leaders from more than 90 countries are anticipated to attend this extraordinary event, all of whom are keen to work together to harness entrepreneurship and cutting-edge technology to advance the global economy. “Entrepreneurship for a New Era,” this year’s theme, is incredibly relevant.
During a time of slow global growth projections, reorganised supply chains, and a more complex geoeconomic environment, the New Champions 2025 meeting is a daring attempt to promote international collaboration focused on innovation and inclusion.
“The common issues that we all face still require cooperation in light of the significant changes that have occurred in the economy as a whole,” stated Børge Brende, President and CEO of the World Economic Forum.
“Various leaders will gather at this meeting to talk about how entrepreneurial innovation can contribute to the sustainable shaping of the economies of the future.”
China and Asia at the Centre of World Discussion
This year, Asia and China are the focus, with their contribution to the world of innovation. Tianjin issues will include topics such as electrification, AI, supply chain resilience, and digital finance, and how these economies have evolved from followers to leaders of global trends. Gim Huay Neo, WEF Managing Director, emphasised regional significance:
“As the world’s youngest continent with 60% of global economic growth, Asia sits at the focal point of shaping world geo-economic trends.”
Chinese officials welcomed the event with open arms, with the National Development and Reform Commission (NRDC) portraying it as a stage for the display of the country’s “outstanding achievements in high-quality development” and calling on overseas firms to join China in its modernisation drive.
A Summit of Scale and Strategy | World Economic Forum
The meeting agenda is underpinned by five strategic pillars which seek to de-mystify complexity and unveil tangible action plans:
- Unlocking the World Economy: With global growth projected to be not more than 2.8% in 2025, the world will be watching how to channel innovation and entrepreneurship to unlock latent growth.
- China Outlook: With China’s move towards a technology-driven economic model, negotiations will revolve around sector-specific opportunities and innovation-driven development pathways.
- Industries Impacted: In a year when global private sector technology spending is projected to hit $5.6 trillion, this stream will examine how businesses can remain agile in the face of geopolitical volatility and planetary imperatives.
- Investment in Planet and People: With progress on only 1/5th of the SDGs, the forum will bridge the gap between commitment and action in areas like climate finance and inclusive development.
- New Energy and Materials: As AI and data centers boom energy demand, the forum will discuss how to ensure secure sustainable supply chains for future critical materials and emerging sources of energy.
Global Powerhouse Roster: Leaders, Innovators, and Changemakers
One of the most high-profile debates at the forum will be led by a highly esteemed panel of thirteen co-chairs. They consist of government officials such as Faisal Alibrahim, Saudi Arabia Minister of Economy, and Rania A. Al-Mashat, Egypt Minister for International Cooperation, among others, and highly renowned business personalities such as Liu Qiangdong, JD.COM, Ilham Kadri, Syensqo, and Henadi Al Saleh, Agility. This array of different perspectives represented is likely to provide profound insights into many industries.
They will be joined by over 144 top political leaders, 40 of which are cabinet officials and members of the world’s top think tanks, companies, and multilateral organizations.
With this fast-changing world, innovation, entrepreneurship, and partnership will be the drivers of long-term competitiveness,” WEF Managing Director Mirek Dušek said.
Public Engagement: A Dialogue, Not a Monologue
As part of moving towards openness and more participation, the forum is offering 40+ sessions for open livestreaming, covering panels on geopolitics, AI, trade, and energy. Some of the most important releases are:
- Energy Transition Index 2025
- Top 10 Emerging Technologies Report
- Future of Travel and Tourism White Paper
The online experience will enable stakeholders from near and far beyond Tianjin’s horizon to contribute to plans that will define the future.
Tianjin Vice Mayor Li Wenhai also extended a warm welcome, saying:
“We are looking forward to inviting leaders and experts from around the world to the beautiful coast of the Bohai Sea to exchange good ideas and discuss substantial issues.”
Looking Ahead: The Entrepreneurial Future
The New Champions 2025 summit comes with great expectations as governments look to innovation to restore national competitiveness and businesses seek stability in the face of disruption. This summit is more than just a gathering of brilliant minds; it is a resounding declaration of intent to restore international collaboration, entrepreneurship, and inclusion as the cornerstones of our common future.
And despite the fact that the world is changing, Tianjin turns into a place of hope because amazing ideas, fuelled by creativity and community, are the foundation of our future.
