People in Saudi Arabia are more optimistic about the availability of digital tools, technology, education and training to improve in 2021 than the rest of the world, according to a recent World Economic Forum (WEF)/Ipsos survey.
The new Ipsos survey for WEF shows that most adults across the globe are optimistic about accessing technology, digital tools and training in the next 12 months, but have serious concerns about the state of the climate, job market and global health.
According to the survey, more people consider that the pace of climate change, employment opportunities, general health conditions, inequality and inter-country relations will worsen this year than those who expect it will improve.
The survey conducted with 23,004 adults from 28 countries shows that nearly 62 percent identified deteriorating health (mental or physical) as a real threat to themselves and their families in 2021, while 61 percent expressed concern about the loss of income or employment and 60 percent polled for the frequent occurrence of weather-related natural disasters.
More respondents were optimistic about the availability of digital tools and technology to improve in 2021. Survey participants in Saudi Arabia were more upbeat regarding it followed by Peru and India.
Notably, larger proportions of people expect opportunities for training and education to improve in 2021 than those who think it will get worse. Respondents in Saudi Arabia were highly optimistic, followed by those in Peru, Mexico and China. The prospect of having more difficulty accessing training and education is seen as a real threat in Turkey, the survey revealed.
Klaus Schwab Founder & Executive Chairman WEF
“In the context of the COVID-19, the need to reset priorities and the urgency to reform systems have been growing stronger around the world. Rebuilding trust and increasing global cooperation is crucial to fostering innovative and bold solutions to stem the pandemic and drive a robust recovery.”
The survey participants from Chile, Peru and Turkey were most concerned about a loss of income or employment, whereas those from Netherlands, Sweden and China were the least anxious.
People in Turkey were the most fearful about the effect that potential conflicts and trade disputes between their country and other nations could have. The country also ranked highly in terms of the proportion of respondents who expect social prejudice or inequality to worsen over the next 12 months.
