The World Economic Forum’s Global Risks Report 2026 sheds light on the biggest global challenges of our time and provides decision-makers with valuable guidance on how to overcome short-term crises and develop long-term resilient strategies.
The report shows that geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainties, technological risks and social polarization continue to grow – and are increasingly intertwined. The analysis is based on a global survey of more than 1,300 experts from business, science, politics and civil society. It offers a comprehensive view of the most pressing risks of the coming years – divided into short-term threats up to 2028 and long-term challenges up to 2036.
Short-term risks (until 2028)
Geo-economic confrontation
Misinformation and disinformation
Societal polarization
Extreme weather events
State-based armed conflicts
Cyber insecurity
Inequality (wealth, income)
Erosion of human rights and/or civic freedoms
Pollution
Involuntary migration or displacement
Long-term risks (until 2036)
Extreme weather events
Biodiversity loss and ecosystem collapse
Critical change to the Earth systems
Misinformation and disinformation
Adverse outcomes of AI technologies
Natural resource shortages
Inequality (wealth, income)
Cyber insecurity
Societal polarization
Pollution
