State conflicts with crisis potential this year are the top global risks in a survey of around 900 business leaders, risk analysts and political decision-makers. This is what the World Economic Forum Foundation (WEF) reports shortly before its annual meeting in Davos.
The immediate risk of conflict is by far the top priority, with almost 25 percent of the mentions. This was followed by extreme weather (14 percent), trade confrontations (8 percent) and misinformation and disinformation (7 percent) as major risks. With a slightly longer time horizon, cyber espionage, misuse of artificial intelligence and loss of biodiversity are also mentioned as risks.
WEF Davos with Trump via video link
The WEF begins on January 20 and lasts four days. Almost 3,000 participants are expected, including 60 heads of state and government and numerous ministers. Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz is on the list, as is Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Donald Trump, who will be sworn in for a second term as US President next Monday, will be connected digitally to a dialogue with participants three days later.
Respondents worried about less collaboration and many going it alone. In their opinion, this threatens stability and progress on the problems at hand, according to the WEF. They see cohesion between countries and within societies at risk. The foundation has published its 20th report on global risks.
WEF has a recipe for risk
WEF Executive Director Mirek Dušek calls on leaders to collaborate more. “In a world marked by deepening divides and cascading risks, world leaders have a choice: foster collaboration and resilience or confront increasing instability. The stakes have never been higher.”
Global Risks Report 2025
