The Global Risks Report series was initiated in 2006 by the World Economic Forum and is published annually. The series provides a structured, forward-looking assessment of the most significant global risks shaping the short-, medium- and long-term outlook for economies, societies and markets.

The purpose of the series is to improve understanding of interconnected global risks and to support better preparedness, resilience and strategic foresight. It examines how environmental, societal, economic, geopolitical and technological risks interact, compound and evolve over time, with a focus on systemic vulnerabilities that may affect global stability and economic performance.

The methodology is centred on the Global Risks Perception Survey, an annual survey of experts from business, finance, government, academia and civil society. Survey insights are complemented by expert analysis, thematic deep dives and structured risk frameworks. Risks are assessed across multiple time horizons, allowing comparison of near-term pressures and longer-term structural threats. The series also incorporates expert judgement on risk governance, interconnections and potential consequences.

For finance professionals, the series provides a strategic reference for identifying macro-level risks that may influence investment environments, asset values, supply chains and long-term capital allocation. It is commonly used to inform enterprise risk management, scenario analysis, strategic planning and ESG risk awareness. While not a benchmark or investment framework, the series supports high-level risk scanning and contextual understanding of sustainability-related and systemic risks relevant to financial decision-making.