Introduction

The Global Risks Forum (GRF) is a cornerstone initiative of the Global Centre for Risk and Innovation (GCRI) designed to address and mitigate emerging “glocal” risks through an integrated, multi-disciplinary approach. As an annual, hybrid event held during the last week of August, the GRF unites leaders from diverse sectors—government, industry, academia, and civil society—to collectively shape a resilient and sustainable future. This document serves as the strategic blueprint for GRF, detailing the purpose, scope, vision, mission, and operational cycles that guide its programming and execution.

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1.1. Purpose and Scope of the Document

Purpose

This guiding document establishes a unified framework for the design, implementation, and post-event evaluation of the Global Risks Forum. It is intended to:

• Align Strategy and Operations: Ensure all stakeholders—from event organizers and technical teams to participants and partners—are aligned with the overarching strategic objectives.

• Standardize Best Practices: Offer a comprehensive reference that details operational procedures, technical integrations, and engagement methodologies, thereby standardizing best practices across the event lifecycle.

• Facilitate Continuous Improvement: Create a feedback loop to inform future iterations of the forum, enhancing both the attendee experience and the impact of the event.

• Integrate Risk-Nexus Thinking: Embed a multi-sector, integrated approach to risk management across all event activities, ensuring that discussions, sessions, and workshops reflect the interconnected nature of today’s global risks.

Scope

This document covers every facet of the GRF program, including:

• Pre-Event Planning: From strategic alignment, stakeholder onboarding, and digital marketing to registration and technical setup.

• Event Execution: Detailed programming structures, session formats, interactive engagement tools, and hybrid onsite–virtual integrations.

• Post-Event Activities: Outcome reporting, data analytics, follow-up initiatives, and continuous learning mechanisms.

• Cross-Functional Coordination: Guidelines for technical, operational, financial, and strategic teams to ensure a seamless, scalable, and inclusive event experience.

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1.2. Vision, Mission, and Objectives of GRF

Vision

Our vision is to cultivate a resilient global society where risks are not only managed but transformed into opportunities. By seamlessly integrating risk analytics, cutting-edge technology, and participatory governance, the GRF envisions a future where innovation drives sustainable change and trust is rebuilt across communities worldwide.

Mission

The mission of the Global Risks Forum is to serve as an inclusive, dynamic platform that:

• Decodes Complex Risks: Utilizes advanced analytics and simulation tools to identify, assess, and forecast systemic risks across interconnected sectors.

• Re-Builds Trust Through Collaboration: Fosters an environment of transparency, inclusivity, and shared responsibility by uniting diverse global stakeholders.

• Empowers Innovation: Accelerates the development and deployment of transformative technologies and practices that enhance resilience and sustainable growth.

• Drives Strategic Change: Provides actionable insights and policy recommendations that shape effective global governance and public–private partnerships.

Objectives

To realize this mission, GRF aims to:

• Deliver Integrated Risk Insights: Present a holistic risk-nexus perspective that covers water, energy, food, health, climate, and ecosystems.

• Foster Cross-Sector Collaboration: Create opportunities for high-level dialogue and collaboration through keynotes, panels, hackathons, and interactive workshops.

• Enhance Capacity Building: Support continuous learning and professional development through dedicated training sessions, seminars, and micro-credentialing programs.

• Mobilize Global Action: Engage financial institutions, corporate leaders, policymakers, and civil society in developing and implementing robust risk mitigation strategies.

• Ensure Long-Term Impact: Establish mechanisms for ongoing follow-up, evaluation, and integration of forum outcomes into broader GCRI initiatives.

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1.3. Overview of GCRI and Its Risk-Nexus Ecosystem

About GCRI

The Global Centre for Risk and Innovation (GCRI) is an internationally recognized non-profit organization dedicated to reducing both global and local ("glocal") risks. GCRI operates at the intersection of risk management, technology, and public policy, mobilizing diverse stakeholders to collaborate on solutions that safeguard communities and the environment.

The Risk-Nexus Ecosystem

Central to GCRI’s approach is the concept of the risk-nexus ecosystem—a framework that recognizes the interdependencies between critical sectors such as water, energy, food, health, climate, and ecosystems. Key elements include:

• Interconnectivity: The ecosystem is designed around the understanding that disruptions in one area can cascade through others. For example, a water shortage may impact energy production, which in turn affects food security and public health.

• Advanced Technology Integration: GCRI leverages cutting-edge tools—such as AI-driven analytics, digital twins, blockchain, and IoT sensors—to monitor and model risk dynamics in real time.

• Collaborative Platforms: The ecosystem supports continuous dialogue and co-creation through hackathons, seminars, and working groups that connect experts from various fields.

• Sustainable Innovation: The risk-nexus approach underpins initiatives aimed at building resilient systems and sustainable practices, ensuring that risk mitigation is both forward-thinking and inclusive.

• Global Engagement: By bridging digital and physical spheres, the ecosystem creates a robust network that facilitates the exchange of ideas and best practices on a global scale.

This integrated framework not only informs the content and structure of the GRF but also drives the ongoing development of GCRI’s projects and partnerships.

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1.4. Annual Programming Cycle & Event Timing

Annual Cycle Overview

The Global Risks Forum is a signature annual event strategically scheduled for the last week of August. This timing is chosen to maximize global participation and to align with key cycles in policy-making, corporate planning, and risk assessment worldwide.

Pre-Event Phase

• Strategic Preparation:

  • Conduct pre-event webinars and workshops to introduce key themes and build alignment among stakeholders.

  • Disseminate pre-read materials and integrated learning modules through the Integrated Learning Accounts (ILA) to ensure participants are well-prepared.

• Marketing & Registration:

  • Leverage advanced digital marketing tools and CRM integrations (e.g., HubSpot, Marketo) for targeted outreach and efficient registration.

  • Customize registration pages with branded, user-friendly interfaces that support both virtual and hybrid event formats.

Event Phase

• Hybrid Format Execution:

  • Host a seamless hybrid event in Geneva, integrating high-quality virtual components with onsite experiences.

  • Structure the program into multiple interrelated tracks (keynotes, breakout sessions, innovation labs, networking, and expo areas) to address various risk domains.

• Real-Time Engagement & Interaction:

  • Deploy AI-powered tools for live Q&A, interactive polls, and real-time analytics to enhance engagement and gather actionable insights.

  • Provide dedicated virtual areas (Reception, Stage, Sessions, Networking, Expo, Replay) that allow for dynamic interactions among up to 100,000 global participants.

Post-Event Phase

• Outcome Analysis:

  • Generate comprehensive post-event reports with detailed analytics covering attendance, engagement, and feedback.

  • Publish session recordings and outcome reports to a centralized digital repository, ensuring ongoing access to knowledge and recommendations.

• Continuous Engagement:

  • Facilitate follow-up webinars, working groups, and collaborative projects that connect GRF outcomes with other GCRI initiatives.

  • Establish a structured feedback loop to refine future GRF programming and integrate participant insights into the broader risk-nexus strategy.

Strategic Timing Considerations

• Global Policy Alignment: Scheduling GRF in the last week of August ensures that the forum’s outputs can influence policy cycles and corporate planning for the upcoming year.

• Seasonal and Geographic Factors: The timing is optimized for global weather patterns and travel logistics, enhancing the hybrid experience for both onsite and virtual participants.

• Annual Review and Iteration: The GRF is designed as a living program, with annual cycles that incorporate lessons learned, technological upgrades, and evolving global risk scenarios to ensure continual relevance and impact.