The current global disunity looks set to dominate discussions at this year's gathering of politicians and executives in Davos, Switzerland. US President Donald Trump is scheduled to top the list of speakers there.
Image: WEF
Advertisement
What to expect from WEF gathering in Davos
01:53
This browser does not support the video element.
The topic of this year's World Economic Forum (WEF) meeting in Davos is "Creating a shared future in a fractured world." The motto is in direct contrast to US President Donald Trump's "America first" policy which also involves large-scale protectionism and isolationist security policies.
"There is today a real danger of a collapse of our global systems," said WEF founder Klaus Schwab. "But change is not just happening — it's in our hands to improve the state of the world and that is what the World Economic Forum stands for."
"What we know is that what we lack is cooperation," the forum's president, Borge Brende, told reporters, adding that the gathering of 70 heads of state and government as well as key figures from the world of business may make a vital contribution toward overcoming current obstacles in global trade and elsewhere.
Cyberattacks, drought, natural disasters among biggest global risks
02:13
This browser does not support the video element.
"We will practically have a European summit in Davos; we will have 40 heads of state and government coming from Europe and Eurasia," Brende said, noting that "all the Bretton Woods heads and UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres" would also attend the meeting starting Monday night.
Two days earlier and hence not crossing paths with the US president, German Chancellor Angela Merkel is to give a speech on European affairs in Davos.
"Germany is, politically and economically, an important member of the European Union and very engaged in the political debate about Europe's future development," said German Government Spokesman Steffen Seibert. "That is why Angela Merkel has chosen to express her views on Europe at Davos."
In a new development, world leaders at Davos will be meeting under an all-female co-chair team, made up of IMF chief Christine Lagarde, Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg and IBM's CEO Ginni Rometty.
The altogether seven female co-chairs had been announced in the face of criticism that the conference had in the past lacked female representation.
The Global Risk Report: rating the dangerous...
Where are the greatest threats to the earth lurking? Every year we get an answer to this question from Davos after the World Economic Forum polls hundreds of experts from business, politics, science and civil society.
Image: picture-alliance/AP Photo/NASA
Increasing concern about extreme weather
In last year's report, the World Economic Forum experts warned first of all about Brexit and the unpredictable policies of newly-elected US President Donald Trump. This year extreme weather comes in first place based on what risks are the most likely to happen. Here: Hurricane Irma which hit the Caribbean and the United States last fall before finally dissipating.
Image: Getty Images/AFP/Str
Natural disasters take second place
Earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, landslides, tsunamis, storms, floods and other natural disasters are the second largest risk. But cyber attacks and the misuse and theft of data pose considerable risks. In fifth place are dangers that could happen if we do not manage to mitigate climate change and adapt to changes due to climate change. Here: Flooding in Indonesia last February.
Image: Reuters/Beawiharta
Blame nature and climate change
Climate and disaster-related risks are very dominant on the World Economic Forum's risk scale this year. And not just by looking at what threats are most likely to happen, but also by considering what dangers will have the biggest impact in the next ten years. Here: Rescuers helping victims after a massive landslide buried villages and roads in Bangladesh last June.
Image: picture alliance/AP Photo/Str
The potential for great destruction
When it comes to what risks could have the greatest impact over the next decade though, weapons of mass destruction are at the top of the list. The development of nuclear, chemical and biological technologies could cause international crises and considerable destruction, according to the report. Here: Anti-nuclear demonstrators in front of the American embassy in Berlin in September.
Image: picture-alliance/dpa/B. Pedersen
Man is not always to blame
When it comes to the risks that could have the greatest impact in the short term, extreme weather and natural disasters are in second and third place. If people do not mitigate climate change and take measures to adapt to the ramifications of climate change it could also have major consequences (fourth place). Here: Destruction after an earthquake in Kermanshah, Iran in November.
Image: Hadi Mokhtarian
Shortages — the big thirst
The World Economic Forum experts also warned that water shortfalls may also have a big impact in the short and long-term. The ever-shrinking amount of available fresh water in some areas affects not only the health of people and animals, but also has a big impact on the global economy. Here: The aftermath of a water crisis near the Afghanistan border in Zabol, Iran.
Image: Mehr News
A clear conscience for business
Like last year, there are no "economic risks" among the top-five. In the years following the 2008 financial crisis such risks were dominant, whether it was a collapse in the securities market, fiscal crisis or a slowdown in Chinese growth. But this should not hide the fact that these risks still exist — they are just not as dangerous as in recent years. Here: Begging on the streets of Athens.
