Armed conflicts and wars are the biggest threat to global economies in 2025, according to an influential report released ahead of the annual gathering of government and business leaders in Davos next week.
The World Economic Forum (WEF)’s annual Global Risks Survey, which polled more than 900 experts, policymakers and industry leaders, revealed that 52% of respondents anticipate a “volatile” global outlook over the next two years Is.
Nearly one in four of those surveyed named conflict as the top immediate risk, including the threat of war and terrorism, reflecting heightened geopolitical tensions.
WEF Managing Director Mirek Dusek described a “sense of uncertainty” about the future, saying, “Many respondents expect a stormy or turbulent scenario for the next two years.”
“We can assume that this is also linked to the fact that we live in a very complex geopolitical environment – unfortunately we have a record number of conflicts around the world.”
Conflict, climate change top list of concerns
WEF President and CEO Borge Brende said the gathering would focus on Syria, the “terrible humanitarian situation in Gaza” and the potential escalation of conflict in the Middle East, while reports of ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas emerged on Wednesday. To reach a conclusion.
The survey defines global risk as “a situation that will negatively affect a significant proportion of global GDP, population or natural resources.”
Last year’s survey found that extreme weather posed the most serious risk to economic growth, and climate change remained the biggest concern in the long term.
Last year global temperatures exceeded 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit) above the pre-industrial era for the first time, and the world is closer than ever to breaking promises made under the 2015 Paris climate accord.
Misinformation and disinformation were also highlighted as a major short-term risk given the rapid development of artificial intelligence, while reports raised concerns about changes in trade policies and the threat of potential tariffs ahead of Donald Trump’s return to the White House. Concerns were also identified.
The World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland begins on January 20, the same day Trump will be sworn in as the 47th president of the United States. Trump is expected to address the meeting virtually on January 23.
World leaders expected to attend in person include Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who will deliver a speech on January 21. Zelensky’s comments will come against the backdrop of Trump’s promise to end the war with Russia as soon as possible.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Chinese Vice-Premier Ding Xuexiang are also scheduled to attend.
“In a world marked by deepening divisions and pervasive risks, global leaders face a choice: foster cooperation and resilience, or confront increasing instability,” Dusek warned.
“The stakes have never been higher.”
mf/sms (dpa, Reuters)