To better understand and prepare for complex risks, the UN conducted a risk perception survey of 1,300 stakeholders in 155 countries.

Main results:

The global risk landscape has become more complex and dynamic.

Political risk has moved to the forefront. And the threat of large-scale war seemed particularly high and growing in the near-term, with 36% of respondents now predicting it within a year.

Concerns about artificial intelligence and advanced technologies, including the risk of power concentration, have risen sharply.

Failure to address climate change remains the single most important of the 28 risks, although environmental risks, as a category, have declined slightly in their perceived level of importance.

Six years after the COVID-19 pandemic, attention has shifted to other risks. The perceived importance of biological hazards and new epidemics has declined more than any other risk measured.

Intergovernmental action continues to be seen as the most effective response to global risks.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres:

“The Global Risks Report 2026 presents the evidence to guide our choices. We owe it to current and future generations to use this knowledge wisely, and to move as long as cooperation can still chart a safer course. The choice is in our hands."