Though I usually prefer to focus on the positive, and constructive solutions, forewarned is fore-armed. We need to know what risks we face in order to be able to find a safe and sustainable pathway forwards. Global preparedness is key. The WEF’s Global Risks Report makes for a sobering read. But it is important to be informed in order to make the right decisions.
Highlighted in the report are four governance opportunities that will aid in boosting preparedness and mitigating against future risks.
- Effective frameworks (holistic thinking)
- ‘Risk champions’ who bring together different sectors and stakeholders. (And paying attention to risk, which remains vital in all sectors.)
- More effective, transparent and honest communication. Building trust, boosting resilience at all levels, and fighting the spread of misinformation.
- New public-private partnership to foster innovation and encourage greater cohesion and preparedness.
The pandemic continues to devastate, and is a massive driver of risk. But lessons can be learned. If we are to combat not only the risks of youth disillusionment and fragmenting of our society, mounting injustices and other pressures, but also work towards tackling environmental issues too, we must learn from past mistakes. And we must work together.
Most crucially, we must think globally, even as we act locally, and take care to make sure that we are all in this together, and no one – no matter what their race, gender, age, or economic status – is left behind. Making sure that we are all clear-eyed about the risks we all face is an important step on the road to a better future for all.
It is important to think through the global risk picture – but not to be weighed down by it. Instead of dwelling on what is wrong – we can all think about what we can do to help make things right.