 Our hyper-connected world is more complex than ever before. So too are the challenges we face, like climate change, conflict, income equality. These kinds of challenges share one critical feature – they're all interconnected. We can find the solutions, but we need to think beyond any single area or interest. In 2008, the World Economic Forum created the Network of Global Agenda Councils. The Councils are a unique community of more than 1,500 leaders from government, business, civil society and academia who dedicate their time to the world's foremost intellectual network. Its members provide potential solutions and new insights about the most pressing challenges and opportunities of our time. These insights from the Councils form the basis of the outlook on the global agenda – the flagship publication of the network, which gives a view into the most important global trends, regional challenges and emerging issues that leaders should be watching for. This report is intended to be an indispensable resource for decision-makers. Council members meet annually at the Summit on the Global Agenda – the world's largest brainstorming, which is hosted in partnership with the government of the United Arab Emirates. Recognizing the great transformations facing businesses, economies and societies, this annual gathering is unlike anything else on the planet. Over 1,000 members of the network engage in interactive workshops and sessions to provide comprehensive insight into the global, industry and regional agendas. Come join our efforts to improve the state of the world.