Founder and executive chairman of the World Economic Forum (WEF) Klaus Schwab delivers a speech at the WEF 2022 Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland, May 23, 2022. (Xinhua/Zheng Huansong)

DAVOS, Switzerland, May 23 (Xinhua) -- The annual meeting 2022 of the World Economic Forum (WEF) officially kicked off in the Swiss town of Davos on Monday, focusing on four major challenges: geopolitical risks, pandemics, climate change, and global economic risks.

Convening under the theme "History at a Turning Point: Government Policies and Business Strategies", the Annual Meeting 2022 and its 200 sessions bring together global leaders from business, government and civil society for discussion to tackle global challenges and to shape a more sustainable and inclusive future.

"The political, economic and social circumstances of our meeting are unprecedented. Davos will bring key global leaders from all parts of society together in person, and look at the consequences and repercussions for government policies and business strategies," said Klaus Schwab, founder and executive chairman of the WEF.

According to WEF, the agenda of the meeting will cover fostering global and regional cooperation; securing economic recovery and shaping a new era of growth; building healthy and equitable societies; safeguarding climate, food and nature; driving industry transformation; and harnessing the power of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

The event will last till Thursday. ■

Founder and executive chairman of the World Economic Forum (WEF) Klaus Schwab delivers a speech at the WEF 2022 Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland, May 23, 2022. (Xinhua/Zheng Huansong)