ICN says top ten global risks in World Economic Forum’s latest report all have dire health consequences
Governments must act to tackle all of them for any hope of achieving Universal Health Coverage
The World Economic Forum’s (WEF) new Global Risks report highlights the top ten major challenges facing the world, and all of them have dire consequences for the health and wellbeing of populations everywhere.
The WEF is the international organization for public-private cooperation. The 20th edition of its Global Risks report which was published today, says the world is entering a crucially decisive decade, and that global collaboration and cooperation between nations are vital to prevent a ‘downward spiral of instability’ and instead rebuild trust, enhance resilience, and secure a sustainable and inclusive future for all.
The top ten risks identified in the WEF report:
- State-based armed conflict
- Extreme weather events
- Geo-economic confrontation
- Misinformation and disinformation
- Societal polarisation
- Economic downturn
- Critical change to earth systems
- Lack of economic opportunity or unemployment
- Erosion of human rights and/or civic freedoms
- Inequality
ICN’s Chief Executive Officer Howard Catton, who is a member of the group of experts on the WEF’s Global Future Council on the Future of the Care Economy, said the report provides a stark reminder of the many and varied challenges facing health care provision in 2025.
He said all of the risks identified, but especially the top two, conflicts and climate change-affected weather, are putting significant additional strain on already overburdened health care systems and staff, and damaging global health.
Mr Catton said: “It is important to acknowledge the direct cause-and-effect link between the risks identified by the WEF and poor health, and we can see the ever-closer alignment between global threats and health harms. Health care workers and systems are at the forefront of responding to these threats - their work can also help with risk preparedness and prevention, as well as recovery in the aftermath of disasters and conflicts. That is why investment in nurses and other health staff should be at the top of governments’ priorities for investment because ultimately, they are the guardians for population safety and security. The health of a nation’s people is the litmus test for its economic wellbeing and overall successful governance.
‘These enormous global forces need to be urgently addressed: they are the reason why the Sustainable Development Goals, including the goal of Universal Health Coverage, are behind schedule and at risk of not being met by 2030.”
Mr Catton said that nurses are at the forefront of the response to these risks, including in the increasing numbers of serious armed conflicts around the world.
“The inextricable link between peace and health means that more and more people are suffering terribly from injuries and untreated illnesses in war-torn areas. Health systems have a huge role to play in prevention and recovery from conflicts, and in building more cohesive and sustainable communities. And every Dollar spent on conflicts is a Dollar that could have been spent on health care.
‘Likewise, the effects of climate change are widespread and very damaging to people’s health and wellbeing, and to the nurses and other professionals who are striving to provide appropriate care in very difficult situations.”
Mr Catton said the effects of all the risks identified by the WEF could be reduced with sustained effort and the goodwill of the governments and combatants concerned. But he said immediate action is needed to stem the slide towards a situation that could end up being irreversible.
”We are at a potential tipping point with governments around the world in danger of letting things run out of control to a situation beyond which we will permanently set back health and economic improvement for generations to come, and place burdens on nurses and other health care staff beyond what they are able to cope with.
‘Governments must do all they can to achieve peace and bring about the stability and tranquillity that people crave. And for a start, they should invest in nursing and nurses to ensure there are enough of them with appropriate training and experience, embedded in the communities that they serve, to deliver the increasing care that is needed before it is too late.”
ICN’s 2024 International Nurses Day report highlighted the economic power of care and the benefits to societies of investing in nursing.
A fundamental pillar of ICN’s mission is its unwavering commitment to providing humanitarian support for nurses worldwide, especially through its #NursesforPeace campaign and its Humanitarian Fund. You can read our latest update on these initiatives here.