Wars top global risk as Davos elite gathers in shadow of fragmented world
A pre-eminent panel at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos has concluded that global wars are the top risk facing the world today, surpassing threats such as climate change and cyber attacks.
The finding comes as the world’s elite gather in Davos, Switzerland, for the annual WEF meeting, where top business leaders, politicians, and experts are discussing the most pressing issues facing the global economy.
The panel, comprising experts from the World Economic Forum, the World Health Organization, and the International Committee of the Red Cross, warned that wars could destabilize the world’s economy, destroy cities, and lead to massive loss of life.
According to the panel, the risks associated with war, such as global contagion and economic collapse, are rising, citing the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East as examples.
“War is becoming increasingly destabilizing and unpredictable, and it’s spreading from one region to another,” said Alejandro Geijo, a professor at the University of Barcelona and a member of the panel.
The panel’s warning comes against the backdrop of a growing list of global risks, including climate change, cyber attacks, and pandemics, which were also high on the list of concerns.
The panel’s assessment was echoed by other experts at the WEF meeting, who warned that the world is facing an unprecedented set of challenges that require a united response from governments, businesses, and civil society.
While the WEF meeting is focused on discussing solutions to these complex problems, the panel’s warning serves as a stark reminder of the gravity of the risks facing the world, and the need for urgent action to prevent conflicts and promote global stability.
