Navigating Global Challenges: FII PRIORITY Compass

FII Institute, in collaboration with Ipsos and Accenture, unveiled the PRIORITY Compass 2024 at the annual FII8 flagship conference in Riyadh. This is the third edition of a global survey that offers essential insights into some of the most pressing global issues today. It is a guiding tool for CEOs, policymakers, leaders, NGOs, and investors, shedding light on socioeconomic challenges, and the urgent need for sustainable investment strategies in an increasingly complex world.

This insights report, drawn from a global survey of 50,000 plus respondents across 24 countries, reveals critical priorities for citizens, noting that cost of living and quality of life remain the top number one priority, with governance ranking second and healthcare being the third priority.

Key Findings: A Snapshot of Global Sentiment

At the heart of the PRIORITY Compass are several urgent macro-priorities that demand immediate attention from global decision-makers.

Citizen Priorities

• Economic Worries: For the third consecutive year, 40% of respondents identified the cost of living as their top concern, followed closely by inflation, which worsened for 57% of those surveyed, especially in the Global North (66%). Job security was ranked as another significant worry, reflecting ongoing concerns about economic instability.
• Governance and Corruption: A striking 71% of respondents voiced concerns over corruption, with dissatisfaction particularly high in politically unstable regions.
• Healthcare Gaps: Nearly 50% of respondents flagged inadequate healthcare infrastructure, including a shortage of doctors, as a critical issue. Healthcare was ranked as the third most significant global concern, underscoring the need for robust reforms.

Sectoral Insights and Regional Variations

• Environmental Concerns: Interestingly, environmental issues appeared to be less pressing for global citizens, with only 13% identifying it as their top concern. India was the sole country where environmental concerns topped the list.

Technology, AI, and Global Perception

• North vs. South: There is a marked difference in how technology is perceived between the Global South and North. 60% of those in the Global South are optimistic about technology’s potential, compared to just 34% in the Global North.
• AI Perception: Opinions on Artificial Intelligence (AI) are divided. 37% of global citizens see AI as a potential threat, while 39% remain uncertain about its long-term societal impact.

Implications for Policymakers and Global Leaders

The PRIORITY Compass highlights the urgent need for comprehensive policies that address key challenges such as inflation, governance, healthcare, and the integration of emerging technologies.

As a data-driven institute, we use the key findings as a foundation for over 200 panels at the FII8 conference in Riyadh and Summits around the world, where global leaders convened to explore actionable solutions for humanity’s pressing issues. Informed by these findings, FII Institute launched the #HealthyHumanity Initiative, committed to transforming global health and well-being through strategic collaboration and innovation. By engaging leaders from healthcare, technology, policy, and investment sectors, the initiative seeks to create sustainable systems that address today’s most urgent health challenges.

FII PRIORITY Compass provides a roadmap for responsible investment, urging a shift towards green technologies and sustainable energy solutions. It emphasizes innovation, offering long-term value while addressing environmental and social challenges.

A Framework for Sustainable, Inclusive Growth

At its core, the PRIORITY Compass 2024 is more than just an index—it’s a vital framework for navigating the complexities of today’s interconnected world. It stresses that achieving a sustainable and inclusive future requires collaboration across sectors, industries, and nations. By aligning technological innovation, economic policy, and social responsibility, decision-makers can not only tackle immediate challenges but also lay the foundation for a more prosperous and harmonious global society.

Read the Full Report Here and view the Compass Navigator (an interactive web tool for additional information).