I have just finished reading the latest WEF report, outlining the biggest threats for 2021 (and beyond). This is a very concerning report - We are faced with some of the worst unprecedented, global challenges of all times. A collective, collaborative approach action plan is needed to tackle them. Synergistic, evidence-based initiatives are crucial, now more than ever.
Here are some of the most pressing challenges:
- Millennials in the Pandemic – The “Pandemials” - are at risk of becoming the double lost generation of the 21st century.
- Climate action failure and pandemic infectious diseases are the biggest threats in 2021, while the Asset Bubble burst, Debt Crises also top the threats list. Economic fragility and societal divisions are set to increase.
- Rapidly accelerating automation, information suppression and manipulation, gaps in technology regulation and gaps in technology skills and capabilities are rapidly emerging threats.
- The geopolitical stability will be critically fragile over the next 5 to 10 years.
- There is youth disillusionment with widening digital divides. Billions are at risk of missing out on the digital leap forward, as growing disparities challenge the social fabric.
- A polarized industrial landscape may emerge in the post-pandemic economy, as economies emerge from the shock of a global pandemic.
- Around 70% of working women believe their careers will be slowed. Imperfect Markets could lead to a “Disorderly Industrial Shakeout.”
- Around 85 million jobs may be automated in the next five years.
- Around 80% of the youth’s mental health has, or is at risk, of being deteriorated during this pandemic.
There is no time to waste. We must act NOW. Emerging technologies such as blockchain may have an important role to play in tackling some of the biggest existential threats faced by humanity, such as climate change.
Let's get to work and play our part in making this world a better place to live - better than we found it.
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Dr Naseem Naqvi
President, The British Blockchain Association
Chair, Centre for Evidence-Based Blockchain
Editor in Chief, The JBBA