Challenges and opportunities in a post COVID-19 world – A Socio-Psychological Perspective

What might the future hold in a post-COVID-19 era? Are there lessons to be drawn and if so, what are they? In a report titled “Challenges and Opportunities in the Post-COVID-19 World” published by the World Economic Forum on May 19, our team at the Institute for the Public Understanding of Risk (IPUR) contributed to a collection of opinion pieces offering perspectives on a post-pandemic future, in support of efforts to proactively and collectively shape the future we want.

Titled “A Socio-Psychological Perspective”, the chapter focuses on the social-psychological effects arising from the COVID-19 outbreak, specifically a rise in mental depression and domestic conflicts, racist attacks and nationalistic behaviours. It identifies the current and expected changes, risks and opportunities arising from these three issues.

The report looks beyond the current pandemic and covers a wide range of issues such as trade, governance, health, technology and labour and assesses where the balance of risk and opportunity may arise from. The result is a comprehensive range of expert opinions from a global thought leaders.

In addition to this report is another titled “COVID-19 Risks Outlook: A Preliminary Mapping and Its Implications”, which analyses the risks, challenges and next steps moving forward from the pandemic. Both reports aim to raise awareness, foster widespread debate and enable more informed decision-making in key sectors.