Scholars and former political leaders have gathered in Shanghai for the 2025 Shanghai Forum, where they will discuss the impact of global trade wars and the role of innovation in maintaining growth. CGTN's Lin Nan has more. 

As global trade faces new challenges amid rising protectionism and geopolitical tensions, the 2025 Shanghai Forum brings together leaders and experts to discuss innovation, development, and governance in today's interconnected world.

TAKEHIKO NAKAO, Former President, Asian Development Bank To me, trade and innovations, are two wheels of development of humanity. And innovation is very important, it makes people's life better. But we must also take care of some problems of cyber securities and the misinformation. At the same time, trade, freedom of goods, movements and services and talent is very important.

The forum also touches on the crucial role of regional cooperation in Asia, with a particular focus on how innovation can help mitigate the impact of trade wars on sectors like clean energy and the digital economy.

HU YONGTAI, Distinguished Professor Emeritus, University of California, Davis Developing the US-China trade war is certainly one that is mutually destructive. Global prosperity will be significantly lower than what it would otherwise be, largely because due to invest in innovation, people have to first assess how big the market there is going to be for the innovation. The smaller the market, the less profitable it would be to undertake the large cost of research for the innovation.

As the Shanghai Forum celebrates its 20th anniversary, it continues to be a premier platform for high-level dialogue.

ZHANG YI, Vice Dean, Fudan Development Institute Universities and think tanks can provide a unique platform for global dialogue. Our strength lies in fostering independent thought, enabling us to promote China's contributions to global governance and technological innovation.

This year, the Shanghai Forum emphasizes the critical intersection of technology, sustainable development, and global governance, drawing experts from across the world to create solutions for a more inclusive and cooperative global future.