INTERVIEWS & WEBINARS

Original, short interviews or discussions with experts and 
stakeholders on various categories of existential challenges. 

What is the Significance of the UN Global Risk Report?

We invite you to watch the recording of our webinar, held on September 8, 2025, in cooperation with UNESCO BRIDGES and the Pardee Institute, and featuring participation from ASRA (Accelerator for Systemic Risk Assessment). Speakers discussed the impact and likely future development of the UN Global Risk Report. With some of the report's authors, we reflect on its methodology, scope, and foresight scenarios of four future states—Breakdown, Status Quo, Progress, and Breakthrough. 

​ARTICLES, ESSAYS & IDEAS

​Original articles, op-ed pieces, and more – commissioned by EXTRA.

UPCOMING EVENTS

A selection of events to be aware of that are organized 
by EXTRA, allies, partners, and organizations on our radar. 

REPORTS

Our latest selection of the most notable published reports on Existential Threats and Risks. Beat the info glut by taking a look at our monthly five. 

If you have time, check the 20 Notable Reports or the complete EXTRA Directory on our website.

Pact for the Future; Global Digital Compact; Declaration on Future Generations

United Nations

Sep 2024, 66p.

Addresses global challenges through the framework of advancing the 2030 Agenda, peace, and inclusive governance. Featuring 56 actions across sustainable development, climate, debt reform, technology governance, and youth engagement. The report calls for a transformation toward resilience and equity, viewing "global transformation as a chance for renewal and progress grounded in our common humanity."

The Sustainable Development Goals Report 2025

UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA)

July 2025, 51p.

Peace indicators have deteriorated significantly—conflict deaths rose 40% in 2024 and civilian casualties quadrupled over two years. Despite better statistical and fiscal capabilities, governance gaps persist. The report urges strengthened institutions, inclusive governance, civic space protection, and enhanced cooperation, stating that "Sustained political will and enhanced international cooperation are essential to drive lasting change.

Development at Risk: Protecting Gains and Unleashing Opportunities Amid Crisis  

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

June 2025, 76p.

Examines "polycrisis" development risks (climate change, inequalities, geopolitical tensions, technological shifts) and advocates proactive strategies using systemic leverage points. It defines resilience as the ability "to prevent, resist, absorb, adapt, respond and recover positively" while maintaining sustainability. The report calls for reimagined governance, noting "small changes can produce big results" when strategically implemented.

Navigating New Horizons: A Global Foresight Report on Planetary Health and Human Wellbeing

United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)/International Science Council

July 2024, 108p.

Uses foresight analysis to identify threats to planetary health and wellbeing. It assesses environmental challenges (degradation, warming, polycrisis, and inequality) and positive developments (renewable energy and biodiversity commitments). Drawing from over 1,200 inputs, it recommends a flexible multilateral system with foresight capabilities to advance the SDGs and planetary sustainability.

Global Governance Innovation Report 2025

Stimson Center

June 2025, 110p.

Assesses early progress in implementing the UN Pact for the Future and advancing global governance reforms. Emphasizing the urgent need for a bold, equitable environmental governance system, it calls for reforms such as transforming the UNEP into a Global Environment Organization, finalizing a legally binding Global Plastics Treaty, and establishing a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty to ensure just and equitable energy transitions. As stated, "Without such immediate changes, the global response to pollution and waste will remain reactive and insufficient, jeopardising progress across all dimensions of the triple planetary crisis." This comprehensive analysis informs policymakers and underscores critical pathways to navigate a post-1.5°C world.

Global Cooperation in a Fragmented World

The Elders

June 2025, 38p.

Addresses the urgent need to strengthen multilateralism amid rising global fragmentation, focusing on four interconnected pillars: global security, solidarity, public goods, and representation. The report highlights the uneven financing of the World Health Organisation and calls for member states to increase reliable contributions and enhance coordinated health emergency responses. Also, it advocates for inclusive governance that elevates voices from the Global South, supports technology transfer, and integrates the interests of future generations to build a sustainable and just multilateral system.

REVIEWS

Synopses and reviews of scientific and policy articles 
from external sources not commissioned by EXTRA.

Existential Risk and Global Catastrophic Risk: A Review

By Lalitha Sundaram and Lara Mani, May 2025

Center for the Study of Existential Risk, Cambridge University

After proposing some definitions, this review, starting from page 15, examines the structure of multilateral institutions responsible for addressing x-risks across a broad range of categories, identifying significant gaps as well as difficulties in coordination between these institutions.

Towards the Governance of Global Systemic Risk: Reforming the Summit of the Future

By Nicholas G. Studzinsk, Randolph Kent, and David Korowicz, May 2025

Global Governance: A Review of Multilateralism and International Organizations, Brill

From section 4 onward, the article focuses on the weaknesses of the multilateral system in responding adequately to global x-risks. It views the initial UN Summit of the Future as a missed opportunity, while also highlighting the potential for subsequent summits to achieve a significant improvement in coordinated and integrated multilateral x-risk management under certain conditions.

NEWS from the World Press

Links to a must-read selection of news for a global outlook across the spectrum of Existential Threats and Risks sourced from the media and web.

International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons. United Nations, Open Access September 26, 2025
An annual UN observance reaffirming global commitment to nuclear disarmament, highlighting the humanitarian, social, and economic costs of nuclear weapons, and advocating for a world free from existential risks.

UN report finds United Nations reports are not widely read. Reuters, Open Access August 1, 2025
A UN study reveals significant gaps in readership and engagement with its official reports, raising concerns about transparency, accessibility, and the impact of multilateral policymaking.

What's at stake at UNGA 2025?. Brookings Institution, Open Access August 14, 2025
A policy analysis on the major issues expected to dominate this year's UN General Assembly, including climate action, reform debates, and shifting dynamics in global security.

United Nations: UN 2026 budget job losses, US funding cuts. The Guardian, Open Access September 18, 2025
The UN faces workforce reductions and operational challenges as US funding cuts translate into a tighter budget for 2026, putting pressure on its ability to deliver core mandates.

The UN80 Initiative: What to Know About the United Nations Reform Plan. Council on Foreign Relations, Open Access September 2025
An overview of the UN80 Initiative, a long-term reform effort to make the global body more effective, accountable, and reflective of contemporary power dynamics ahead of its 80th anniversary.

BRICS Summit 2025: Between Expansion and Caution. Habtoor Research, Open Access July 16, 2025
An examination of BRICS' balancing act between expanding membership and maintaining cohesion as it seeks a bigger role in reshaping the multilateral order.

Autocrats Move Quickly to Fill Void as Trump Retreats From Multilateralism. New York Times, Paywall, September 19, 2025
Authoritarian powers seize diplomatic opportunities as the US scales back its multilateral commitments under the Trump administration, with implications for UN influence and global governance.

A poll shows huge support for global cooperation, but failing grades for the UN and others. Reuters (Andrea Shalal), Open Access September 18, 2025
A global poll reveals strong public support for international cooperation, but low confidence in institutions such as the UN, indicating a growing demand for reform and greater effectiveness.

An Initiative of WAAS