2009-09-12 CRI Roundup

Hello and welcome to this edition of  CRI Roundup on China Radio International. I'm Kelda Yuen in Beijing.

In this edition, nearly 1400 participants from more than 80 countries have gathered in China's costal city of Dalian this week to attend the World Economic Forum's annual summit of New Champions, also known as the "Summer Davos". World leaders and business elites hope to find ways in the three-day discussion to "relaunch global growth".

Please stay with us.

Amid the current worldwide economic situation, this year's Summer Davos is focusing on the theme of "Relaunching Growth."

Under the main theme, there are five pillar topics: namely New Business Models in a Deleveraging　World, Opportunities in a Green Economy, Rethinking Asia's Development Model, Driving Economic Growth through Science and Technology and Addressing Social Needs through Innovation.

Christophe Weber is the Director and Chief Representative of the World Economic Forum's Beijing Office.

He says that the target of the meeting was to put ideas together, discussing global topics and inspiring the participants.

"We knew that after this globalized financial crisis, the growth question will be on the agenda of every policy-maker and business leader. But how do we go from here towards the future. That's the big question we're asking."

Delegates from over 86 countries and regions have participated in the discussions.

Antonie Simoes is from HSBC.
"I think it's very important to have debates in disappointing times. I would like to see coordination work across Europe US and Asia on this."

At the opening ceremony of the meeting, Chinese premier Wen Jiabao delivered a keynote speech, calling for continued efforts by the international community at this critical juncture to tackle the global financial crisis.

"While we are at this critical juncture in overcoming the financial crisis, I would once again call on the international community to keep up efforts and not draw back in the face of difficulties."

He said protectionism would slow down the recovery of the global economy and be detrimental to people and businesses around the world.

"China continues to actively take part in the process of economic globalization and resolutely opposes trade and investment protectionism. When the global financial crisis was at its worst, we organized some delegations to purchase goods in Europe and America as well as boost investment cooperation. We have translated our words of opposing protectionism into action and we are looking forward to joint action by other countries across the world."

In his speech, the premier also highlighted the necessity of tackling climate change. He said all members of the international community should work together to deal with this problem as it is a common challenge facing mankind.

In the meantime, creative young designers talked about how design can help the world achieve sustainable development.

Natalia Allen, the creative director of Design Futurist, says creating a sustainable future is particularly important when it comes to the developing world.

"Developing countries maybe gonna benefited most, because currently the 80 percent of the waste come from five percent of the population, most of whom are the wealthiest. So if we challenge ourselves as designers to take on the responsibility to taking care of this world, and our life, our human population, I think not only does the first world benefit from a cleaner city, but also the developing world benefits."

She says in an information age, consumers want to be different from others and they are demanding diversity and personalized services that cater to their needs.

"One of the most important things about sustainability, in my mind, is diversity. I think part of the arriving of a truly sustainable world will include diverse design perspectives."

The forum features a variety of session types including plenary sessions, interactive sessions, an Ideas Lab and networking lunches to share insights, map issues and identify solutions among peers and important stakeholders.

The Annual Meeting of New Champions 2009 that began on Thursday will last until Saturday. It is the second time for Dalian, the north eastern port and business city to host the Summer Davos meeting.

And that concludes this edition of  CRI Roundup. If you have any comments or suggestions or would like to listen to any of our programs online, you can visit our Web site at Crienglish.com. I'm Kelda Yuen in Beijing. Thanks for listening. Stay tuned for more on China Radio International.