Climate change will have a profound impact on people and economies – causing an estimated additional 14.5 million deaths and $12.5 trillion in economic costs between today and 2050. However, through investments in enhanced prevention, improved diagnostics and novel treatments, 6.5 million lives could be saved, economic losses reduced by $5.8 trillion and 1 billion fewer disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) accrued.

While longer life expectancies for men and women have been a societal success story, this is not the full picture. Despite living longer than men, women spend 25% more of their lives in poor health. Health burdens have a heavy impact on women’s lives, with ripple effects for broader society. To address these issues, the World Economic Forum and the McKinsey Health Institute have released a new insight report as part of the Forum's Women’s Health Initiative.

Developed in collaboration with LinkedIn as part of an ongoing data partnership for the Global Gender Gap Report, this paper addresses the challenges and opportunities of an AI-driven economic transformation from a gender parity perspective.

Access to freshwater is changing rapidly, with water stress affecting billions of people and countless businesses each year. Droughts and floods are becoming more frequent and severe, water pollution continues to rise and, without urgent action, we will soon reach a tipping point. This report outlines key pathways to strengthen water resilience, through private sector and multi-stakeholder action, and secure the future of water for society and the global economy.

Today’s most pressing challenges – rising inequality, environmental crises and social fragmentation – are too complex for any single organization to solve alone. Collective social innovation offers a new way forward, bringing together diverse stakeholders to create systemic change.

Retail investing has undergone a seismic shift. Global market activity, once dominated by institutional players now includes a rapidly growing share of individual investors. However, many investors still face barriers to participation, such as limited financial education, economic uncertainty and the complexity of evolving technology. The 2024 Global Retail Investor Outlook, developed by the World Economic Forum in collaboration with Boston Consulting Group and Robinhood Markets, explores the latest trends shaping retail investor behaviour. Based on a survey of 13,000 investors across 13 countries, it highlights key structural shifts, including expanded access to varied financial products, AI-driven platforms and demographic changes fuelling new market participation. The report spotlights the new wave of retail investors from traditionally underserved groups, including younger people, individuals from emerging markets and women.By improving access, financial literacy and investment tools, the financial system can empower individuals to achieve their financial objectives and build long-term wealth while ensuring inclusive and successful market participation. Through its survey findings, the report provides actionable insights for policy-makers, industry leaders and investors alike.