Global Risks Report 2025

C. Proactively build social cohesion across generations At a societal level, all stakeholders need to reconsider the prospect of an inter-generational conflict playing out and take measures today to avoid that. The upcoming demographic shifts could be an opportunity to reframe the conversation. Every young person will become old, if they are lucky; engaging in more cross-generational social activities could increase life satisfaction for everyone, improve long-term social cohesion and provide real benefits towards resolving a range of global problems.89 More can also be done to encourage older individuals to remain in the workforce, for example by reskilling and by tailoring jobs more to their skill sets. Corporate strategies (Figure 2.16) also have a role to play: Organizations could consider incentivizing the creation of cross- generational teams. Risk Governance: Insufficient public infrastructure and social protections FIGURE 2.16 Source World Economic Forum Global Risks Perception Survey 2024-2025.“Which approach(es) do you expect to have the most potential for driving action on risk reduction and preparedness over the next 10 years? Select up to three for each risk.” Risk categories Economic Environmental Geopolitical Societal Technological Insufficient public infrastructure and social protectionsShare of respondentsApproach a. Financial instruments b. National and local regulations c. Minilateral treaties and agreements d. Global treaties and agreements e. Development assistance f. Corporate strategies g. Research & development h. Public awareness and education i. Multistakeholder engagement Global Risks Report 2025 65