WEF Global Risks Report 2025 Takeaways
The first time when I learned about WEF Global Risks Report was in an ISO training session in 2024 and I was fascinated by the fact there is an yearly report which summarises the Global Risks and presented in a digestible format without going to much detail on the numerical nuances of Risk Management. A report read my policy makers and CEOs across the world.
I will be pondering over the 20th Global Risks Report which was released recently.
The Risks Report is published by the World Economic Forum ahead of the Forum's Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland. Based on the work of the Global Risk Network, the report describes changes occurring in the global risks landscape from year to year. The report also explores the interconnectedness of risks, and considers how the strategies for the mitigation of global risks might be structured. - Wikipedia
Misinformation and disinformation tops in the short term risks and Extreme weather events tops in the long term risks.
Misinformation and disinformation tops (thanks deepfakes, GenAI and algorithms) in the short term risks and Extreme weather events tops in the long term risks.
The report mentions several key findings. It talks about declining optimism globally, deepening geopolitical and geo-economic tensions, societal fragmentation, environmental risks becoming urgent realities, pressures on pensions, super-ageing societies, technological risks being under the radar and the need for multilateral cooperation.
The top 10 risks in the global risk landscape that is most likely to present a material crisis on a global scale in 2025.
Major Risks for USA, United Kingdom, Ireland and India
Ireland and India are mentioned in the context of vulnerability to US trade measures. Ireland and India are among economies at risk if the US imposes restrictive trade measures, alongside Brazil, the EU, Indonesia, Italy, Kenya, Malaysia, Mexico, and Thailand.
Adverse outcomes of frontier technologies
As a firm believer in technology as an enabler for humanity to thrive; there seems to a increase in the use of emerging tech by bad actors to destabilise humanity. Quantum, biotech, geoengineering are grouped under Frontier technologies in the report and their adverse impact have been highlighted in the interconnections graph as shown below. It's interesting to see that there are no perceived impacts on the Environmental front of these technologies.
So, what are the Top 5 Risk Governance strategies the policy holders may implement to overcome the adverse outcomes of frontier technologies:
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Cross-Cutting Themes Globally
There is an urgent need for us to come together and tackle these linked challenges, especially in trade, technology, and environmental sustainability.
It is perceived that the guardrails are coming-off with the re-shufflling of global powers and increasing military spend of $2 trillion+ across the world.
Actions Matter
The report suggests several solutions for addressing global risks, focusing on different areas and timeframes.
Multilateralism is a key theme, with the report emphasizing that there is no viable alternative to multilateral solutions. It highlights the need for leaders across public and private sectors, civil society, international organisations, and academia to work together.
Technology is another area of focus with the report stating that public awareness and education have the most long-term potential for driving action on risk reduction and preparedness regarding misinformation and societal polarisation.
Pollution is another area requiring solutions. The report suggests improving monitoring, reporting, and evaluation systems to understand emerging pollutant risks. Strengthening regulatory frameworks to address well-established and emerging pollutants. Investing in technological solutions for waste management, filtration systems, and methane capture.
Biotech solutions are also discussed. Establishing an intergovernmental agreement to govern the field. Agreeing on a set of broad norms to guide government policies on biotech. Promoting broad-based dialogue across societies to establish norms.
Other solutions include promoting global treaties and agreements to address state-based armed conflict. Boosting funding for digital literacy. Improving accountability and transparency frameworks. Supporting policy changes to pension schemes and retirement ages. Increasing Research and development to address pollution and adverse outcomes of frontier technologies.
In project management, responses to a Risk or Risk Responses are classified as Escalate, Avoid, Mitigate, Accept, Transfer, Enhance, Exploit and Share. I am curious to see how policy makers are going to respond to these risks globally or is it too late and we should be calling this as a Global Issue Report instead in 2026?
The world is facing these interconnected risks, but we are not powerless. Individual actions matter – stay informed, think critically, challenge assumptions, engage in constructive dialogue about these issues and choose leaders wisely. Harness the power of innovation to create a more sustainable and more equitable world. The world is constantly changing and there is always something to learn let’s create a future we all can be proud of.
?? Global Risks Report 2025: https://www.weforum.org/publications/global-risks-report-2025/
??? Global Risks Report Archives: https://www.weforum.org/publications/series/global-risks-report/
Data Privacy Professional @ Grant Thornton Bharat LLP
1 周Nicely presented post, Jey!