Global Future Council on Frontier Risks
Global Future Council on Frontier Risks
Council mission and objectives
Frontier risks are future shocks or dangers that emerge as new technologies surface or paradigms shift due to human and societal forces. These risks are characterized by their unknown likelihood, unknown impacts or both. While decision-makers must confront the risks of all categories, frontier risks require exploration because: (1) early-warning signs are often subtle and difficult to detect; (2) these risks are less likely to be understood beyond a niche group of experts; and (3) their uncertainty means they could manifest at any point and at any magnitude.
The Global Future Council on Frontier Risks will capitalize on its diverse, forward-thinking membership to bring fresh thinking to frontier risks, interconnections and implications. Specifically, the council will delve deeper into four critical frontiers: breaching new territorial and geographic boundaries, exceeding ecological and environmental limits, expanding forms and speed of human communication, and reaching novel human-technology interfaces. Outputs will focus on risk scenarios emerging at these frontiers as well as risk governance opportunities.
Forum Council Manager:
- Sophie Heading, Lead, Global Risks, World Economic Forum
Council Co-Chairs
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The Global Future Councils serve as a brain trust for leaders from government, business and civil society, and support the Forum’s mission by bringing together experts bound by a shared mission to discuss the most critical issues, generate insights and analysis, and collaborate in shaping agendas.
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