Top risks addressed by public awareness and education

Public awareness and education are proving to be powerful tools in addressing global risks over the next decade.

Misinformation and disinformation top the list, with 85% effectiveness attributed to awareness campaigns, school curricula, and media interventions. This reflects the urgency of countering false narratives and restoring trust in information ecosystems.

Societal polarisation follows closely at 78%, highlighting the role of education in bridging divides and promoting civic dialogue.

Censorship and surveillance, along with online harms, both stand at 75%, indicating that informed communities are better equipped to resist digital overreach and protect personal freedoms.

Erosion of human rights and civic freedoms registers at 70%, showing how public education can reinforce democratic values and empower citizens. Intrastate violence, at 67%, suggests that awareness efforts can help reduce tensions and foster peaceful coexistence, especially in fragile states.

Infectious diseases are addressed with 61% effectiveness, underscoring the importance of health literacy and community engagement in outbreak response. Adverse outcomes of AI technologies rank at 57%, pointing to the need for digital literacy and ethical understanding as AI becomes more embedded in daily life.

Decline in health and wellbeing (54%) and cyber insecurity (53%) round out the list, reinforcing the idea that informed populations are more resilient. The data affirms that education is not just a support tool—it is a frontline defense against complex global threats, capable of shaping behavior, strengthening institutions, and safeguarding societies.