Shanghai Forum 2025 officially opened on April 25, bringing together more than 500 distinguished guests from over 50 countries to discuss topics ranging from artificial intelligence and green finance to aging societies and digital transformation.
A Prestigious Forum Reaching its 20th Year
Hosted by Fudan University and the Chey Institute for Advanced Studies, Shanghai Forum is an influential platform dedicated to fostering dialogue on pressing global issues. Since its inception in 2005, the Forum has convened annually in Shanghai, bringing together leaders from academia, politics, business, and media to engage in interdisciplinary discussions aimed at promoting cooperation and consensus on key challenges facing Asia and the world.
As the Forum celebrates its 20th anniversary and Fudan University marks 120 years of academic excellence, this year’s theme, “Age of Innovation: Technology, Development, and Governance,” sets the stage for three days of critical conversations shaping the future of our world. The theme underscored the transformative impact of technological advancements, particularly artificial intelligence, on societal development and governance structures.
The opening ceremony on April 25 witnessed the gathering of top minds all over the world.
Vice Mayor of Shanghai XIE Dong and Chairperson of Fudan University Council QIU Xin, addressed the ceremony. Chairman Chey Tae-won of South Korea’s SK Group addressed the Forum virtually, celebrating the 20-year journey of Shanghai Forum and stressing the urgent need for global coordination.
Keynote Speakers Inspiring Critical Reflections
A lineup of global thought leaders delivered keynote speeches, providing deep insights into the opportunities and risks of the technological era:
Yukio Hatoyama, Former Prime Minister of Japan, called for collaborative global governance in the face of rising technological disruption.
Kim Won-soo, Former UN Under-Secretary-General, warned of existential threats including climate change, nuclear risks, and AI mismanagement, urging planetary-scale governance reform.
Rick Waters, Former U.S. Assistant Secretary of State and Carnegie China Center Director, discussed the structural challenges in U.S.-China relations and the need for renewed dialogue.
Hans Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe, emphasized the transformative potential of AI in strengthening global healthcare systems.
Michael Levitt, 2013 Nobel Laureate in Chemistry, offered a unique perspective on the intersection of biological intelligence and artificial intelligence, encouraging interdisciplinary innovation.
LI Shimo, Founder and Chairman of Guancha.cn, said China is harnessing scientific advancement to foster open, inclusive, and shared prosperity across the Global South.
A Collaborative Hub for Innovative Solutions
In addition to the main session, Shanghai Forum 2025 features 15 specialized sub-forums, covering critical arenas as follows:
China-US Relations: The General Trend and Short Cycles
Navigating International Cooperation and Innovation in the Era of Technological Transformation
Global AI Governance: Barriers and Pathways Forward
Digital Intelligence, Health and Financial Technology
Ultraintelligent Machine, Imagination of Technology and Human Future
Building an International Green Finance System to Address Global Challenges: Reformation and Transformation
Technological Innovation, Economic Development, and Global Governance
Deepening China-ASEAN Cooperation on Science, Technology and Innovation against Geopolitical Risks
Changes in Technology and Trade: Overcoming Unilateralism in EU-China Relations
The Global Transformation and State Development Drivers
ESG and Environmental Innovation Cases in Corporations
Technological Innovation for Aging Societies in the Context of Globalization and Local Transformation: Challenges and Opportunities of Care
New Quality Productive Forces Empower the Healthy China 2030
Global Governance and Technological Innovation in the Context of the Rise of the Global South
Labor Market Transformation in the Digital Economy: Policy Responses and Future Outlook
As global volatility and complexity intensifies, Shanghai Forum 2025 stands as a crucial platform for brainstorm, inclusion, and corporation. Every distinguished mind aims to dive deeper into the role of innovation in shaping sustainable development and effective governance.
Laying the groundwork for global solutions and collective progress, Shanghai Forum generates cross-disciplinary dialogues that can contribute to building a community with a shared future for every sphere of humanity.
Stay tuned as we continue to explore main takeaways from Shanghai Forum!
Writer: ZHANG Xinyue
Proofreader: WANG Jingyang
Editor: WANG Mengqi, LI Yijie
