Efforts to promote and strengthen globalization will be the focus of the World Economic Forum's 13th Annual Meeting of the New Champions, taking place on July 1-3 in the city of Dalian in the northeastern province of Liaoning.

Also known as the Summer Davos, the meeting has become synonymous with China, being held alternately on an annual basis in Dalian or Tianjin. It is basically the World Economic Forum's global moot to promote innovation, science and technology.

Since the idea behind the Summer Davos is to bring together global business leaders as well as prominent figures in other fields, the venue of such meetings could not have been better chosen, because China has been playing a leading role in promoting globalization.  

The theme of the Annual Meeting of the New Champions 2019 is "Leadership 4.0: Succeeding in a New Era of Globalization." It sums up the main focus of the gathering which will attract more than 1,800 leaders of diverse fields from around the globe. 

The participants represent politics, business, trade, civil society, academia and media. According to the organizers, 70% of the guests will come from outside China, representing 120 countries covering more than half the world.  

Last year, the Tianjin Summer Davos drew some 2,500 business leaders, policy makers and experts from over 111 countries for a global discourse focusing on the theme of "Shaping Innovative Societies in the Fourth Industrial Revolution."

Coming back to the Dalian moot, the theme is central to the entire idea of a grand meeting. Leadership 4.0 is closely linked with the idea of "Globalization 4.0" that represents fundamental changes in the global economy amid the fourth industrial revolution, in the field of business and commerce.  

According to the World Economic Forum, these changes are driven by environmental challenges, regional competition, economic disparities and technological disruption. These changes require a different form of leadership and consequent collaboration adapted to the new era of globalization.

The new age is more competitive and innovative. It requires constant dialogue among the stakeholders to address the challenges faced by different fields. The Annual Meeting of the New Champions provides a platform to focus the spotlight on the hurdles and find solutions through collective brainstorming.

Old industrial and business models are under threat from new entrepreneurs who have disruptive influence and through it they are transforming industrial activities. The concept of "Leadership 4.0" helps us to understand such trends.  

The Summer Davos, like the World Economic Forum, engages with the "who's who" of all key sectors, ranging from industry to academia and media. The participants have visions to shape the future according to the new realities. 

So, the Annual Meeting of the New Champions is gaining increasing importance as the foremost global summit on innovation and entrepreneurship. Through working sessions, dinners, community activity, it fosters closeness and creates opportunities.

Globalization is facing threats due to the inward-looking policies of some nations. Events like the Summer Davos help break the shackles and provide new space and new energy to think anew for a better world based on common values. 

Cooperation between countries and industries are needed to keep up the momentum of exchanges in global trade and world services. 

China, by providing a forum for such meeting exhibits its commitment that it stands with the world on the issue of globalization. The political leadership of China often sends high level representation in such forums. 

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang is expected to attend and also make a speech at the opening ceremony. It is a forceful reminder that China stands with those who are working for a better future.  

Each year, the Summer Davos enjoys growing success. In the long run, it will cultivate a global culture, making globalization an irreversible reality. 

Sajjad Malik is a columnist with China.org.cn. For more information please visit:

http://www.china.org.cn/opinion/SajjadMalik.htm

Opinion articles reflect the views of their authors, not necessarily those of China.org.cn.

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