As customary, the BAF begins with a press conference, where organizers are expected to present a report on the social and economic landscape of the Asian region. Spanning four days, the forum will host approximately 50 events. The opening ceremony, slated for March 28, will feature speeches by Zhao Leji, Speaker of the Parliament of the People’s Republic of China, alongside leaders from foreign nations and major international organizations.
Nearly 5,000 individuals are expected to attend the BAF, including over 1,000 journalists. Distinguished participants include former UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, Secretary General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Zhang Ming, Secretary General of CISDA Kairat Sarybai, Secretary General of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Kao Kim Horn, Secretary General of the OECD Mathias Kormann, and President of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank Jin Liqun.
Representatives from prominent international corporations will also be in attendance, such as Ernie Thrasher, CEO of American Xcoal Energy&Resources, executives from South Korean Samsung, British-Swedish AstraZeneca, as well as leaders from major Chinese oil and gas, energy, investment, and financial companies.
This year’s BAF conference will focus on discussions regarding the “world economy,” “scientific and technical innovations,” “social development,” and “international cooperation.”
Established in 2001, the Boao Asian Forum is a non-governmental international organization formed by 29 member states. Its mission is to foster economic integration in Asia. Often dubbed the “Davos of the East,” the forum serves as a high-level global platform for political, business, and academic leaders from Asia and beyond to address critical Asian and global concerns.
