WEF Global risk report 2025 & Chair Magdalena Gerger & CGI Director Emily Farnworth at Webinar

WEF Global Risk Report and Webinar & Peer Exchange

WEF Global Risk Report and Implications on Boards

The WEF Global Risks Report 2025 highlights escalating global challenges, including geopolitical tensions, environmental crises, societal fragmentation, and rapid technological disruptions.

Top Risks (2025–2027):

  • State-based armed conflict and rising geopolitical instability.
  • Extreme weather events and environmental degradation.
  • Misinformation and disinformation fueled by AI.
  • Societal polarization and erosion of trust in institutions.

Long-Term Risks (2035):

  • Climate change impacts and biodiversity loss.
  • AI and biotech misuse.
  • Aging populations leading to labor and pension challenges.

Key Trends:

  • Weakening global cooperation and rising unilateralism.
  • Increasing economic fragmentation and trade tensions.

Implications for Board Directors

  1. Risk Management: Strengthen scenario planning for geopolitical, environmental, and cyber risks.
  2. Sustainability Focus: Integrate ESG and climate strategies into core business.
  3. Tech Governance: Ensure ethical AI adoption and cybersecurity resilience.
  4. Crisis Preparedness: Enhance crisis management and supply chain continuity.
  5. Stakeholder Trust: Prioritize transparency and stakeholder engagement.

Boards must lead with agility, resilience, and proactive governance to navigate emerging global risks. More insights below.

Webinar & Peer Exchange Jan 21 at 16-17.30 CET 

Boards Impact Forum are proud to share a current and relvant webiar and peer exchange discussing and sharing experiences on the Boards Role, Materiality and Strategic Integration of Sustainability into the Business with

Magdalena Gerger, Chair Colart, NED Investor, Curry PLC, NEFAB, Lindengruppen, PEAB and on the Sustainability Advisory Council to VW Group.Emily Farnworth, Director of the Centre for Climate Engagement at Hughes Hall, chair of the RE100 Advisory Committee, a member of the Carbon Pricing Leadership Coalition Advisory Group and a member of the We Mean Business Grants Advisory Committee.

Sign up (Board Mandate Required) Webinar Jan 21 Boards Role, Materiality and Strategic Integration  

If you cannot join this, see more relevant webinars below.

Learn more about WEF Global Risks Report 2025 and Requirements on Boards

Global Risks Report 2025

The WEF Global Risks Report 2025 highlights a world increasingly divided by geopolitical tensions, environmental crises, societal fragmentation, and rapid technological advancements. The report, based on insights from over 900 experts globally, assesses risks across short-term (2025), medium-term (2027), and long-term (2035) horizons.

Key Findings

  1. Declining Global Optimism:
    • 52% of respondents foresee an unsettled global outlook over the next two years.
    • 62% expect a turbulent or stormy global environment by 2035.
  2. Top Short-Term Risks (2025–2027):
    • State-based armed conflict (#1) due to ongoing wars and geopolitical instability.
    • Extreme weather events and critical changes to Earth systems driven by climate change.
    • Misinformation and disinformation amplified by generative AI.
    • Societal polarization and erosion of trust in institutions.
  3. Long-Term Risks (2035):
    • Environmental crises like biodiversity loss and resource shortages.
    • Technological risks such as adverse outcomes from AI and biotech.
    • Super-aging societies leading to labor shortages and pension crises.
  4. Geopolitical and Economic Tensions:
    • Increased risk of trade wars, sanctions, and economic fragmentation.
    • Rising military expenditures and unilateral national security strategies.
  5. Technological Polarization:
    • The spread of misinformation via AI threatens social cohesion.
    • Biotech advancements pose both opportunities and existential risks.
  6. Erosion of Multilateral Cooperation:
    • Weakening of global institutions like the UN Security Council.
    • Reduced funding for humanitarian aid, worsening global crises.

Implications for Board Directors

Board directors must adapt to this evolving landscape by proactively managing risks and fostering resilience within their organizations. Key takeaways include:

  1. Risk Anticipation and Scenario Planning:
    • Regularly assess geopolitical, environmental, and technological risks.
    • Develop adaptive strategies and scenario planning to mitigate sudden disruptions.
  2. Strengthening Governance and Oversight:
    • Ensure the board has expertise in cybersecurity, AI governance, and geopolitical risk.
    • Strengthen internal controls to address misinformation, data privacy, and regulatory compliance.
  3. ESG and Sustainability Integration:
    • Embed climate risk management and sustainability into corporate strategy.
    • Lead corporate actions on reducing environmental impact and improving supply chain resilience.
  4. Technological Adaptation and Ethics:
    • Leverage AI for operational efficiency but establish safeguards to prevent misuse.
    • Guide ethical decision-making in adopting frontier technologies.
  5. Stakeholder Engagement and Transparency:
    • Foster trust with transparent communication, especially in crisis scenarios.
    • Engage with regulators, industry peers, and multilateral institutions to align on global challenges.
  6. Crisis Preparedness and Business Continuity:
    • Review and stress-test crisis management plans.
    • Prepare for cyberattacks, supply chain disruptions, and geopolitical shocks.
  7. Board Diversity and Capability Building:
    • Ensure diversity in perspectives, including expertise in geopolitics, technology, and ESG.
    • Continuously upskill board members in emerging risk areas.

In this complex risk environment, boards must be proactive , dynamic and resilient to safeguard long-term value and corporate sustainability.References WEF Global Risks Report 2025 

Webinars, Peer Exchanges and Events

Upcoming webinars, all with NED Guest Speakers and Peer Exchange

Jan 28 8-9.30 CET A Shared Vision for 2025

Feb 14 12-13.30 CET Board Processes and Transition

Mar 7 12-13.30 CET Boards Strategic Governance of Ecosystems

Announced Events 2025

Board Programs


Boards Oversight of Sustainability 
Signup Deadline January 17

Boards Oversight of Responsible AI

 

Related Blogposts

 

Boardroom Priorities for 2025: A Roadmap to Resilience and Strategic Transformation

From Unthinkable to Imaginable: Crafting a Positive Future Together

 

About Digoshen

This blog post was originally shared at the blog of Digoshen  www.digoshen.com,  the blog of Boards Impact Forum www.boardsimpactforum.com and the blog of the Digoshen founder www.liselotteengstam.com,

At Digoshen, we work hard to increase #futureinsights and help remove #digitalblindspots and #sustainabilityblindspots. We believe that Companies, Boards, and Business Leadership Teams need to understand more about the future and the digital & sustainable world to fully leverage the potential when bringing their business into the digital & more sustainable age. If you are a board member, consider joining our international board network and master programs.

Welcome to also explore the Digoshen Chatbot on AI Leadership for Boards and Boards Impact Forum, where the Digoshen Founder is the Chair.

Find a link to Digoshen Chair Liselotte Engstam Google Scholar Page

You will find more insights via Digoshen Website, and you are welcome to follow us on LinkedIn Digoshen @ Linkedin  and twitter: @digoshen  and founder @liseeng

 

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