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KnowledgeConcierge
PricewaterhouseCoopers, a strategic partner of the World Economic Forum, provides briefings and key facts about the following themes covered in the Annual Meeting 2008.
Links open a new window to PwC's KnowledgeConcierge.
Advancing science
Studies show the general public lacks an overall knowledge of scientific facts and concepts.
Does indifference towards scientific understanding and methods impede societal progress?
Challenges in the Middle East
The year 2007 ended with the US re-engaging in the Middle East peace process. Can 2008 be the year in which the Israelis and Palestinians transform the politics of the Middle East? And will the Israeli-Palestinian issue remain the centrepiece of Middle Eastern politics?
Climate change
2007 could go down in history as the year when the world took serious note of climate change. Will acceptance of the challenges create enough urgency to overcome uncomfortable trade-offs?
Corporate governance
The state of corporate governance continues to evolve. Will directors be able to respond to heightened expectations?
Development
The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) set ambitious, but achievable, targets for human development. Will successes continue and can progress be broadened?
Energy security
The rising price of oil has ensured that energy security is once again a central issue – both for international relations and for the global economy. Will resource nationalism lead to inefficient exploitation of the world’s resources as well as to a growing temptation to use energy as a political weapon?
EU +
The EU has regained much of its political and economic confidence. Will Europe rethink its economic reform and EU enlargement priorities?
Financing pensions and healthcare
An historic shift towards older populations will have far-reaching consequences, some welcome, others less so. How will nations be able to provide pensions and health care as their demographics shift?
Food and Agriculture
World food prices have risen to historic highs. Will the trend benefit poor farmers without pushing price levels higher around the world?
Future of US leadership
The presidential election will dominate American politics in 2008. How might the next president's agenda shift the focus of US policy-making?
Global governance
Our modern global governing institutions are showing signs of ageing. Will long-term trends force us to rethink our global governance systems?
Global risk
Risk has always been a part of our lives. What is the world doing to manage global risks in economic, environmental, geopolitical, societal and financial realms?
Globalization
Globalization has recently seemed all-conquering as China, India and former Communist countries joined the world economy. Will tensions arise to reverse that momentum?
Health research
Breakthroughs in health research portend great changes in the scientific understanding of genomics, cancer and disease. Will they lead to a medical revolution?
Innovation
There appears to be little agreement on the meaning of innovation or what constitutes best practices in terms of implementation. How then can it be achieved?
International relations
The world's geopolitical powers seem evident. How will the shifting set of relationships among them play out?
International terrorism
Since the 9/11 attacks on New York and Washington in 2001, the “war on terror” has been the central focus of American foreign policy. But more than six years on, is it time for a reassessment?
Leadership & decision-making
Big problems require big solutions and effective leadership. Can multi-stakeholder solutions be formed in the face of seemingly intractable problems?
Global economy
Global economic growth has been strong in recent years. But does the world now face a serious downturn?
Shifting sources of capital
Private equity, hedge funds and sovereign wealth funds have become dynamic sources of deal making and investment. Will they be greatly affected by the credit crunch?
Nutrition & wellness
Societies are searching for less costly approaches to delivering health care. Could lifestyle choices in nutrition and wellness be the difference?
Political outlook
The year 2008 will mark the last year of the presidency of George W. Bush and the end of the presidency of Vladimir Putin. Will it therefore also mark a watershed in international politics?
Non-Proliferation
Efforts to prevent the proliferation of nuclear weapons will continue to be a major preoccupation in 2008. Can nuclear ambitions or the threat of nuclear terrorism be tamed?
Regenerative medicine
This decade’s convergence of computing power, nanotechnology and genetics has given scientists unprecedented power to alter life forms and even create them from scratch. Where will such breakthroughs lead?
Rise of Asia
By some measures, Asia has never had it so good: its economies are booming and the region is peaceful. Will its good fortune continue?
Societal shifts
Globalization has increased contacts between people of different backgrounds and cultures. Can the tensions inherent in diversity" be directed towards peace and not towards conflict?"
Systemic financial risk
The sub-prime mortgage crisis dominated the financial headlines in 2007. Can financial contagion and systemic fragility be contained?
Talent
The war for talent is heating up around the world. How can organizations adapt to the effects of demographic change on labour forces and overcome skill shortages?
Technological advances
Breakthroughs often come in the form of imaginative solutions to large, difficult problems. What solutions will emerge from recent research in cutting-edge technologies?
Technology & society
Social networks and virtual worlds have evolved far beyond computer games and communications media. To what degree will they transform social and organizational inter-actions?
Trade
Liberalized trade remains on the agenda of most countries. Will rising protectionism arrest progress in promoting multilateral, regional and bilateral trade efforts?
Urbanization
Humanity is rapidly urbanizing. Will its cities be ready?
Water
Water scarcity is fast emerging as a serious near-term security threat. Can the world’s supply of freshwater be sustained?
Education and employment
There is abundant evidence that links educational attainment with employability. Will that economic payback diminish in coming years?
Fast Facts from PricewaterhouseCoopers' KnowledgeConcierge
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You can download all the above essays and Fast Facts in these two documents:
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