BOAO Forum for Asia 2025: An Overview

BFA Annual Conference 2025: Themes and Topics

Four themes, global trust, inclusive growth, sustainability, and innovation, will guide discussions on multilateralism, globalization, SDGs, and AI governance to address global challenges and foster cooperation.

1. The Bigger Picture:

   • Building trust & cooperation in a fast-changing world.

   • Open world economy, global governance post-UN Summit, dialogue among civilizations, economic security, and empowering the Global South.

   • Goal: Strengthen multilateralism, global governance, and international cooperation.

2. Promoting Growth:

   • Rebalancing globalization for inclusive development.

   • Universal globalization, regional free trade, APEC revitalization, global supply chain stability.

   • Focus: Healthy globalization, Asia-Pacific cooperation, and shared development.

3. Shaping the Future:

   • Accelerating SDGs for effective global responses.

   • Climate action, energy transition in Asia, universal health, zero-carbon financing.

   • Aim: Advance sustainable development through best practices and solutions.

4. Identifying New Drivers:

   • AI application & governance for innovation-driven growth.

   • Bridging digital divides, enhancing connectivity, managing AI risks, benefiting all nations.

   • Enterprise-focused topics: AI competitiveness, business strategies for a changing world.

Economic Purpose of the BOAO Forum

The BOAO Forum serves as a critical platform for addressing economic challenges and fostering collaboration among Asian nations and their global partners. Its primary economic purposes include:

Promoting Regional and Global Economic Integration

• The forum emphasizes strengthening trade ties, investment flows, and supply chain connectivity within Asia and between Asia and other regions. This aligns with broader initiatives like the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

Advancing Sustainable Development

• Discussions at the forum focus on achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through green finance, renewable energy, and carbon neutrality strategies. The forum also explores ways to balance economic growth with environmental preservation.

Encouraging Technological Innovation

• The Boao Forum highlights the role of emerging technologies—such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and quantum computing—in driving productivity, creating jobs, and enhancing competitiveness. It provides a platform for sharing best practices and fostering international R&D collaborations.

Addressing Global Challenges

• By convening diverse stakeholders, the forum addresses global issues such as inflation, debt crises, income inequality, and geopolitical tensions. It seeks to develop actionable solutions that benefit both developed and developing economies.

The Forum’s Influence on the World Economy

Since its inception in 2001, the BOAO Forum has grown into one of the most influential platforms for shaping economic policies and fostering multilateral cooperation. Its impact on the global economy is evident in several areas:

Strengthening Asia’s Role in the Global Economy

• Asia accounts for over 40% of global GDP and is home to some of the fastest-growing economies, including China, India, and ASEAN nations. The BOAO Forum amplifies Asia’s voice in global economic governance, ensuring that regional priorities are reflected in international decision-making processes.

Facilitating Public-Private Partnerships

• The forum brings together governments, businesses, and civil society organizations to identify shared goals and collaborate on large-scale projects. For example, previous forums have led to agreements on infrastructure development, digital transformation, and disaster resilience.

Influencing Global Policy Agendas

• Recommendations and declarations issued at the Boao Forum often inform policy decisions at institutions like the World Trade Organization (WTO), International Monetary Fund (IMF), and G20. For instance, past forums have advocated for reforms in global trade rules, financial regulations, and climate action frameworks.

Bridging Geopolitical Divides

• In an era of rising geopolitical tensions, the BOAO Forum promotes dialogue and mutual understanding among nations. By providing a neutral space for constructive engagement, it helps mitigate conflicts and build trust among stakeholders.

Showcasing China’s Leadership Role

• As the host nation, China uses the Boao Forum to demonstrate its commitment to global economic stability and prosperity. Recent editions have underscored China’s efforts to promote free trade, combat climate change, and support developing countries through initiatives like the Global Development Initiative (GDI).