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In this article, which frequently refers to the World Economic Forum’s 17th Edition of the Global Risks Report, we’ll highlight 20 current global issues we must address, including issues related to climate change, COVID-19, social rights, and more. While it’s hardly a comprehensive discussion, it’s a solid introduction to the kinds of ...
- Somalia: A catastrophic hunger crisis tops the Watchlist. Topping the Watchlist for the first time, Somalia is facing an unprecedented drought and hunger crisis.
- Ethiopia: Drought and conflict torments tens of millions. Ethiopia is heading toward its sixth consecutive failed rainy season, which could prolong a drought already affecting 24 million people.
- Afghanistan: An entire population is pushed into poverty. Afghanistan ranked No. 1 on the 2022 Watchlist but dropped down for 2023—not because conditions have improved but because the situation in East Africa is so severe.
- Democratic Republic of Congo: Decades-long conflicts escalate. Over 100 armed groups fight for control in eastern Congo, fueling a crisis that has lasted for decades.
- Sudan. The ongoing war between the Sudanese Armed Forces and Rapid Support Forces has propelled Sudan to the top of the 2024 Emergency Watchlist—and pushed the country to the brink of collapse.
- Occupied Palestinian territory (oPt) Gaza enters 2024 as the deadliest place for civilians in the world. Residents are enduring the brutal consequences of the latest round of conflict between Israel and Hamas, which is being fought without sufficient regard for the international laws and norms built to protect civilians even in the most dire circumstances.
- South Sudan. South Sudan has faced insecurity since its independence from Khartoum in 2011. Going into 2024, the war across the border in Sudan threatens to undermine South Sudan’s fragile economy and worsen political tensions.
- Burkina Faso. Burkina Faso is facing rapidly growing and spreading violence as the Burkinabe military struggles to contain armed groups. Roughly half of the country is now outside government control, with armed groups including Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (ISGS) and Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) blockading cities and towns and preventing residents from accessing basic goods and services.
- Afghanistan—The crisis after the conflict. Cash assistance from the IRC has enabled Afghans impacted by the economic crisis to buy food and other basic items.
- Ethiopia—A case study in climate and conflict. Halima Hashi, a refugee from Somalia, raises awareness of the rights of women and girls in Helowyn refugee camp in southern Ethiopia.
- Yemen—Cumulative impact of protracted conflict. Aisha, 10, now lives in Sahdah camp in southwest Yemen after violence forced her and her family to flee their home.
- Nigeria—Growing insecurity across the country. An attendee at a European Union-funded program for adolescents in conflict-affected northeast Nigeria. Population: 211.4 million.
- The global housing crisis. Shelter is a human right, but hundreds of millions of people lack adequate, affordable housing. According to the World Bank, the housing crisis is global, and it could impact as many as 1.6 billion people by 2025.
- Gender inequality. Societies have been working to improve gender inequality for centuries, but we still have a long way to go. Globally, women still make less money than men, have poorer health outcomes, have fewer opportunities and endure more gender–based violence.
- Climate crisis. The climate crisis is one of today’s most urgent social issues. Earth.org outlines a list of major climate events in 2023, including severe droughts, wildfires, higher ocean surface temperatures and storms.
- Overconsumption. Greenhouse gas emissions are a primary driver of climate change, but overconsumption is hurting the planet, too. Unfathomable amounts of food, clothing, plastic and other things are thrown into landfills and the ocean every day.
Jan 10, 2024 · The World Economic Forum’s Global Risks Report 2024 says the biggest short-term risk stems from misinformation and disinformation. In the longer term, climate-related threats dominate the top 10 risks global populations will face. Two-thirds of global experts anticipate a multipolar or fragmented order to take shape over the next decade.
Sep 15, 2021 · The latest survey showed that people think coronavirus is the biggest issue facing their country, followed by unemployment and then poverty and social inequality. Financial/political corruption and crime and violence complete the top 5. What's worrying the world. Image: Ipsos. Longer-term trends show that unemployment and poverty and social ...
