Agenda articles

Explore the Forum’s latest opinion articles, timely analyses and explainers from leaders in business, politics, and civil society.

51,557 articles

Andrew Harper, Special Adviser, Climate Action, UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, Geneva; Keir Simmons, Chief International Correspondent, NBC News, United Kingdom; Tolu Oni, Clinical Professor of Global Public Health and Sustainable Urban Development, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom; speaking in Betazone: Green and Fair? session at the Annual Meeting of the Global Future Councils 2024 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates,Wednesday 16 October 2024 at Madinat Jumeirah Conference Centre- Plenary Hall. Betazone Copyright: World Economic Forum / Deepu Das

Emerging Technologies

How can AI augment rather than dictate human action? This expert explains

AI was a major topic of discussion at the Forum's Annual Meeting of the Global Future Councils. In a public session, Professor Erik Brynjolfsson detailed how the technology is impacting the global economy.

Elizabeth Mills

October 18, 2024

People touching hands, illustrating the importance of good mental health

Health and Healthcare Systems

Pioneers are proving that philanthropy has the power to transform global mental health

See how private individuals, companies and foundations have led the way in pioneering philanthropic investment to close the mental health funding gap.

Elisha London

October 18, 2024

A child in an eye exam, illustrating how children's eye health impacts overall health

Wellbeing and Mental Health

Seeing the future: Prioritizing children's eye health

Millions of children worldwide have poor eye health. School programmes and awareness campaigns are essential for doing something about that.

Dr. Princess Ifeoma Ike and Dr. Chimeziri Anderson

October 18, 2024

There is a growing trend linking smartphone usage to increased anxiety and other disorders.

Emerging Technologies

Is technology creating an anxious generation?

Technological advances are reshaping childhood, posing new challenges; rising mental health issues among youth show the need for balanced, child-friendly technology.

Jessica Wanger

October 18, 2024

A delegate waits in a hall during the UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) in Glasgow, Scotland, Britain, November 2, 2021: The three (Conference of the Parties of the UN Convention on Climate Change (COP) events highlight the interconnected nature of bioldiversity, land and climate change

Climate Action

It’s a triple COP year: What that means and why it matters for business leaders

Three high-level conferences for environmental action will be held in 2024. Understanding the interconnected challenges facing land, biodiversity and climate can help leaders better drive change.

Chris Hamill-Stewart

October 17, 2024

Jobs and the Future of Work

8 reasons why investing in employee health is good for people and business

Obesity has reached unprecedented levels, posing significant challenges to public health and global economies. Here’s how workplace initiatives can help.

Madeleine North

October 17, 2024

Technology concept. 3D render: AI value alignment is about ensuring that artificial intelligence (AI) systems act in accordance with shared human values and ethical principles

Fourth Industrial Revolution

AI value alignment: How we can align artificial intelligence with human values

Ensuring AI value alignment is vital. Tailored approaches, multi-stakeholder input and continuous audits are key to guiding AI ethically across cultures.

Benjamin Larsen and Virginia Dignum

October 17, 2024

Woman in maxi skirt on beach stretch next to the sea, with palm trees: Digital nomads present a feasible alternative to seasonal work

Trade and Investment

How digital nomads can transform tourism and the economy of Small Island Developing States

Cabo Verde is leveraging a digital nomad visa to boost its economy, invest in tech infrastructure and balance local benefits and sustainable development.

Pedro Lopes

October 17, 2024

A passenger waits on an empty platform at the Thalys high-speed train terminal at Brussels Midi/Zuid rail station during an European strike November 14, 2012. Millions of workers joined strikes across southern Europe on Wednesday to protest against spending cuts and tax hikes that trade unions say have brought misery and deepened the region's economic crisis. REUTERS/Yves Herman (BELGIUM - Tags: POLITICS CIVIL UNREST BUSINESS EMPLOYMENT TRANSPORT)

Economic Growth

Can the European Union get it together on capital markets? This is what’s at stake

Proponents say a capital markets union could help Europe build the innovative companies and infrastructure necessary to compete in a fragmenting global economy.

John Letzing

October 17, 2024

The UNDP has been assisting the Maldives for 45 years.

Economic Growth

How the Maldives can revive its economy through sustainable growth

The Maldives has made progress in governance, environmental stewardship and equitable economic growth. But sustainable growth requires fair access to finance.

Kanni Wignaraja and Enrico Gaveglia

October 17, 2024

Confusion over climate goals has backed governments and companies into a corner with their emissions targets.

Climate Action

How to “blink responsibly” on unrealistic climate goals – and set a course for action

'Blinking' on unachievable climate goals can allow governments and companies to credibly revise their emissions targets and take meaningful action.

David G. Victor and Joisa Dutra

October 17, 2024

People try to stay dry in a flooded square. Caption: As floods become more frequent, innovative solutions are trying to mitigate the risks and protect both people and infrastructure.

Climate Action

5 technologies that are combatting flood risks around the world

Communities are adopting innovative solutions like floating homes, sponge cities and AI-powered forecasting to mitigate flood risks and protect populations globally.

Emma Charlton

October 17, 2024

Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity rules saw big changes in 2024. Here's what to know

The increasing threat of cyberattacks is prompting governments to toughen up laws and build resilience. Here are some of the regulations that came into force in 2024.

Spencer Feingold and Filipe Beato

October 17, 2024

green forest with sunbeam in an opinion piece on the delay of the EU's deforestation regulation

Nature and Biodiversity

The delay to EU deforestation rules must help people transition

The period of delay to EU deforestation legislation can be used to assess early progress, refine the tools and build the capacity needed to implement it.

Jack Hurd

October 16, 2024

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