Political tensions, wars, sanctions, protectionism, pandemics and natural disasters are creating a world "in disarray". After 30 years of geopolitical stability, internationally active companies are facing new challenges. They need to understand global challenges, assess poly-crises and anticipate potential risks, plan for future scenarios and continuously adapt their operations. Courtney Rickert McCaffrey, Global Insights Leader of EY's Geostrategic Business Unit and author of the book "Geostrategy by Design - How to Manage Geopolitical Risk in the New Era of Globalization", which will be published in June, shows how companies can sustainably strengthen the resilience of their business models and supply chains and ensure long-term competitiveness.

The global economy's recovery from the long-term effects of the pandemic and Russia's invasion of Ukraine is slow and varies from region to region. Despite a modest upturn and partial successes in the fight against price pressure, there is little reason to celebrate globally. Economic momentum has not yet reached pre-crisis levels, particularly in emerging and developing countries. Extreme weather events, high interest rates and high levels of debt, which limit the scope for economic stimulus programs, are also slowing things down there. Petya Koeva Brooks, Deputy Director in the Research Department of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and responsible for the IMF's World Economic Outlook, provides an up-to-date look at the current situation and future prospects.

The strain on the global economy caused by high energy prices is easing, but the geopolitical situation continues to create turbulent and disruption-prone energy markets. Inflation remains high, borrowing costs are rising and debt levels are growing - there is no rapid recovery in sight. The temperature of the planet is already 1.2 °C above pre-industrial levels, greenhouse gas emissions are continuing to rise - there is a threat of heat waves and other extreme weather events. Positive trends in access to electricity and clean cooking energy have slowed or even reversed in some countries. Dr. Fatih Birol, Executive Director of the International Energy Agency (IEA) since 2015, takes stock and looks at ways to improve energy security, reduce emissions and keep the energy transition on track.

Extreme environments - hostile environments on the highest mountains, in the deepest ocean trenches, in the polar regions or in space - have often served mankind as catalysts for groundbreaking innovations. Scott Parazynski, former NASA astronaut, now a successful doctor, author and CEO of OnwardAir, knows these environments, talks about them and builds a bridge to the culture of innovation in companies and the revolutionary possibilities of AI and big data analysis in aerospace and healthcare.

Advances in the use of artificial intelligence (AI), which are coming ever closer to human abilities and sensory perceptions, will profoundly change the world of work in all industries. Claudia Olsson, founder and CEO of Stellar Capacity, sheds light on the - in some cases new - roles that require human skills that are almost impossible to replicate, such as creativity, emotional intelligence and strategic decision-making. These roles, which require adaptability, continuous learning processes and new leadership strategies when working with AI, are particularly important in the increasingly hybrid working environment of an AI-driven economy.