The worst is yet to come

The Global Risks Report released by the World Economic Forum earlier this month  explores some of the most severe risks we may face over the next decade amid rapid technological change, economic uncertainty, a warming planet and conflict.

As cooperation comes under pressure, our weakened economies and societies may only require the smallest shock to edge past the tipping point of resilience.

Coming from the aftermath of a devastating 2023 cyclone, floods and mudslides that claimed a thousand plus lives, displaced communities, and annihilated livelihoods on an unprecedented scale, the challenges only intensified.

Adding to the adversity, global lending institutions prescribed a harsh 65 percent devaluation, compounding the suffering already borne from the double burdens of Covid-19 and climate-induced crises.

This year, and possibly the next, the government is very likely to be preoccupied by the elections of 2025. And that will have overarching consequences. But that’s a subject for another day.

The lessons of 2023 are stark: The world is far from the ideal of equality we hold. Geopolitical risks and armed conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine, along with ongoing geo-economic tensions between the US and China, lay bare the reality that every nation prioritizes its interests.

In a world filled with diverse perspectives, choosing a version of truth becomes an imperative task.

More than ever, the call for solidarity echoes loudly as we navigate an ever-changing and challenging landscape.

This year, and possibly the next, hunger will remain a topical issue in our country.

Unlike floods, drought or poor harvest induced disasters like these are difficult to sell for help. People often realize the gravity of the damage when lives are lost.

Today, we face another threat: the El Nino. Across the country, rain-fed farms don’t seem as healthy and vibrant as every January promises and the likelihood of reduced food output is higher.

While we have been relying heavily on aid from United Nations agencies, especially the World Food Programme (WFP), this year promises to be tough.

Here’s why. Germany just passed its budget which reduced funding to WFP and BMZ, its international development arm by over 26 and eight percent, respectively.

The likelihood of other western nations following suit is even higher. And add the fact that in America, the likelihood of another Donald Trump presidency looms larger.

Amid the escalating levels of unemployment and persisting economic challenges, the risk of misinformation among the youth becomes more pronounced, potentially leading to social unrest or the adoption of extremist ideologies.

With more challenges on the way, this challenge, not just for the government, but all development practitioners, is new and huge— Artificial Intelligence (AI).

This vulnerability poses a significant threat for all of us.

While it is difficult for our country to control the misinformation that will continue growing with AI-generated content, it is incumbent upon us to ride on this pressure and collaborate with local media to drive AI-literacy in public education systems and to prioritise identifying trustworthy sources of information to safeguard all key sectors of our economy and development.

With looming urgency to adapt to avoid the worst impacts of a changing climate, failing economic and food and nutrition systems, we need agile responses to risk, unencumbered by lengthy processes that are synonymous with government action in Malawi. Nevertheless, we must act together to weather the storms coming ahead.

What we achieved in 2023 when our country was inundated by water, and bodies of our own children were on social media floating, lifeless, should always remind us what we are capable of as a nation— when we unite. In 2024 and the years coming ahead, we must rally together, each bringing the little and best they have to make a difference.