The inaugural UN Global Risk Report underscores that the world remains vulnerable to pandemics, together with biorisks and other interconnected factors including mis- and disinformation.
The Independent Panel for Pandemic Preparedness and Response welcomes the report and agrees with the conclusion: that multilateralism and joint action are the best ways to shape a safer future.
The Panel also warns that several global vulnerabilities listed in the report – including the top risk of mis- and disinformation, together with biorisks, climate inaction and loss of biodiversity, all amplify and accelerate the risk and impacts of another pandemic.
“The UN Global Risk Report is clear on the deadly and devastating interconnected nature of these risks. A natural or man-made biorisk can become a pandemic, which in turn can lead to economic crises, geopolitical tensions, and breakdowns in social cohesion,” said the Right Honourable Helen Clark, Co-Chair of The Independent Panel for Pandemic Preparedness and Response.
“Leaders have the choice – and the obligation – to address these vulnerabilities today and secure a safer world for all.”
The report, released on 3 July 2025, distills the answers of more than 1,000 surveys of experts and academics, civil society organizations, UN Member States, UN bodies, and the private sector.
A new pandemic was listed as a top concern, particularly amongst Sub-Saharan African and Eastern and South-Eastern Asian respondents. Respondents also scored the world’s preparedness for a pandemic in a mid-range, at 4.2 out of 7 on a Likert scale.
Preparedness multiplies benefits
In a series of scenarios, the report also shows that when there is progress to tackle risks, countries of the world benefit in multiple ways. Better preparedness and response for a pandemic can, for example, lead to medical breakthroughs, expanded technology collaboration, inspire more joint action on climate and strengthen tools to combat mis- and disinformation. The report warns, however, that these benefits are dependent on equitable access to breakthroughs in health and technology.
Leadership remains essential
The Independent Pabel maintains that the foundation for progress on these collective risks is leadership, especially of heads of state and government. The Panel continues to see the need for a leadership mechanism such as a threats council or an emergency platform that works to strengthen prevention and preparedness efforts and can rapidly mobilise in times of crises.
The Independent Panel looks forward to follow-up from the report, including the plan for the Secretary-General to present standard operating procedures for complex global shocks to UN Member States, in keeping with the Pact for the Future.