Signal 28-risk list derived from over 40 risk reports

Summary

The list of 28 global risks used in the report was built through a structured process. It began with a review of more than 40 well-known risk reports issued at global, regional and national levels by private, public and civil society authors, which surfaced over 100 risks. These were sorted with the STEEP framework of economic, environmental, political, societal and technological categories, and the Pardee Center for International Futures at the University of Denver carried out a detailed assessment covering definitions, literature review and likelihood estimates to 2050. More than 20 technical focal points then reviewed the list, the five UN Regional Commissions verified it, and consultations from December 2023 to February 2024 settled the final 28 risks. The list was formally endorsed by the Deputies Committee and the Executive Committee of the Secretary-General and became the basis of the perception survey.