Facing the future: Top 5 global risks to keep an eye on in the coming years

As the world navigates escalating geopolitical, environmental, societal, and technological challenges, here's how HR can navigate any impact on the workplace.

The 20^th edition of the Global Risks Report, published by the World Economic Forum (WEF) offers an important look at the key threats shaping our world.

Based on inputs from over 900 experts, the report identifies challenges across politics, the environment, society, and technology. It aims to help leaders understand urgent issues and plan for the future.

Biggest risks facing the world in 2025

1) State-based armed conflicts (23%): Conflicts such as civil wars, coups, and more pose significant threats to global stability, with respondants citing geoeconomic confrontation and technology-related concerns amongst the risks most closely-linked to such conflicts. 

2) Extreme weather events (14%): The burden of climate change is becoming more evident every year, as pollution from continued use of fossil fuels such as coal, oil and gas leads to more frequent and severe extreme weather events. 

Natural disasters, for instances floods and heatwaves, are thus becoming more frequent.

3) Geoeconomic confrontation (8%): Trade restrictions and economic tensions are disrupting global markets and supply chains.

4) Misinformation and disinformation (7%): False information, often spread through advanced technology, is eroding trust in facts and authority.

5) Societal polarisation (6%): Growing inequalities and lack of economic opportunity are weakening social cohesion.

According to the report, the high ranking of #4 and #5 "is not surprising", taking into account the accelerating spread of false or misleading information, which amplifies the other leading risks facing the world, from State-based armed conflict to extreme weather events.

Short-term- and long-term risks

Short-term: Immediate concerns include misinformation, extreme weather events, and armed conflicts, which threaten stability and require swift action.

Long-term: Climate change, biodiversity loss, and critical changes to Earth systems dominate future risks, alongside growing concerns over advanced technology misuse.

By severity, the top 10 risks over two time periods — two years, and 10 years — rank as follows:

Global risks directly impact workplaces. What should HR professionals do?

1) Flexible work policies

Organisations in both the public and private sectors should enhance their flexible work arrangements, enabling employees to leave and rejoin the workforce as needed during different life stages. This approach supports those pursuing education, career shifts, or caregiving responsibilities, ultimately fostering a more dynamic and inclusive workforce.

2) Campaign to improve pre-retirement health choices

Launch campaigns encouraging pre-retirement health choices, such as better nutrition, exercise, and social engagement. Those efforts can reduce long-term healthcare needs, as seen in Singapore’s Health District initiative, and contribute to a healthier, more productive ageing population.

3) Proactively build social cohesion across generations

Encourage activities and policies that build social cohesion across age groups. Reskilling older workers and forming cross-generational teams can enhance workplace collaboration, improve social satisfaction, and mitigate generational divides.

Infographic / WEF Global Risks Insight Report 2025