Five global megatrends and three UK/European themes incorporating nine regional trends.

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Global context (megatrends)

1. Population changes and health: responding to ageing, migration and urbanisation.
2. Changing climate, changing lives: responding to environmental threats.
3. Geopolitical competition: adapting to shifting global power dynamics.
4. Economic uncertainty: navigating increasing competition.
5. The global impact of technology: navigating opportunities and risks.

Themes

1. Balancing security and society.
2. Challenges of a disconnected youth.
3. Resilience for a changing planet and society.

Trends (three per theme)

1. Defence spending exacerbates pressures on public finances and debt.
2. Defence spending could fuel discontent and polarisation.
3. Military build-up intensifies influence operations (i.e. attempts to influence public opinion).
4. Deteriorating mental health amid increased reliance on social media.
5. Economic inactivity and decreasing school attendance.
6. Children’s involvement in violence.
7. The growing urgency of a planetary approach to health.
8. Harnessing technology to support pandemic preparedness and the management of infectious diseases.
9. Resilient health systems in the face of growing chronic disease and mental health burdens.