The Boao Forum for Asia convenes its annual conference in Boao, South China's Hainan Province on March 26. (PHOTO: XINHUA)

By Staff Reporters

The Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) kicked off its annual conference in Boao, Hainan province on March 26.

Themed "Asia and the World: Common Challenges, Shared Responsibilities," the four-day event centered around five main topics, namely, world economy, scientific and technological innovation, social development, international cooperation, and jointly meeting challenges.

The forum highlighted China's role in global economic growth. "Asia will continue to remain the largest contributor to global economic growth (this year)," BFA secretary general Li Baodong told a news conference in Boao. China's economy enjoys strong resilience and great potential, becoming a major pillar of sustainable global development.

The weighted real GDP growth rate of Asia in 2024 is expected to be 4.5 percent, given the emerging macro policy effectiveness of China and other major economies to boost demand and economic growth, according to a flagship report from the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2024.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) was also a hot topic. Max Yuan, chairman of Xiao-i Corporation emphasized the importance of integrating AI into our daily lives, as it has become ubiquitous in all aspects of society.

Kyoung Mu Lee, professor at Seoul National University, said that the point at which AI becomes more intelligent than humans will arrive faster than most people think.

This year's BFA drew representatives from more countries and regions than last year's edition. Some 2,000 participants from more than 60 countries and regions attended the annual conference, underscoring the rising influence of the BFA.

The challenges facing the world today are complex, and only by jointly meeting them, shouldering the responsibilities and strengthening cooperation can the world continue to move on the track of peace and prosperity, said Li.