International SOS Risk Outlook 2026: “Uncertainty shaping pace of preparedness”

The research confirms the continuous and rapid increase and convergence of risks and threats. In parallel, the published document highlights that this is placing a heavy demand on the pace of preparedness required to protect employees and operations.

There are several key findings. Nearly six-in-ten business leaders (57%) reported that new risks are emerging faster than they can manage. 74% said that the window for critical decision-making is shrinking, while only 35% are confident they can mobilise teams on a rapid basis.

Although 80% believe that detecting risks quickly provides an advantage, only 20% reported that they feel confident in verifying risk information at pace. Nearly half (49%) note that risks are increasingly interconnected and converging, requiring joint security and medical responses.

Concurrently, International SOS has released its open access Risk Map, which reflects today’s security and medical risk ratings. Several security ratings have been increased due to geopolitical tensions, including Iran (Medium to High), Myanmar (High to Extreme) and Niger (Medium to High).

Mongolia has seen a reduction in its security risk rating, from Medium to Low, due to stability in the capital and improvements in natural disaster response and road safety. The medical risk rating for India has changed from variable to medium due to the standard of care available in major cities.

Pace of change

Arnaud Vaissié, co-founder, chair and CEO of International SOS, stated: “As we head towards 2026, organisations face a landscape defined not only by complexity, but also by the accelerating pace of change. Geopolitical shifts, natural hazards, rising costs and polarisation strain operations and impact employees. Misinformation and disinformation erode trust. Mental health concerns intensify as human capital becomes even more critical.”

Vaissié continued: “Risks no longer arrive in isolation. They converge, evolve and challenge even the most robust plans. In this environment, preparedness is essential. It’s the foundation for confidence, continuity and growth.”

Further, Vaissié explained: “The ability to anticipate and act decisively is what enables businesses to protect their people and sustain productivity, wherever they operate and whatever the circumstances. Preparedness can no longer be static. It must be intelligent, dynamic and continuous. Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become a critical force multiplier, enabling real-time risk detection and faster decision-making, but technology alone cannot replace judgement. The integration of advanced analytics with deep human expertise is what delivers clarity from complexity and transforms uncertainty into actionable foresight.”

Uncertainty is rising sharply, with 66% of organisations saying it has grown significantly in the past year. Geopolitical instability is the top driver, cited by 47% of respondents. Cyber crime ranks second, yet other digital threats are being underestimated. Only 14% of respondents identified misinformation and disinformation as significant sources of uncertainty, despite their growing potential to disrupt operations and erode trust.

At the same time, technology that could help to mitigate these challenges is seemingly low. Despite widespread attention on AI, just 6% of organisations view it as being important for risk management, thereby suggesting missed opportunities to harness its capabilities.

Agility and access

Cvete Koneska, global security director at International SOS, informed Security Matters: “Businesses can improve their ability to anticipate and adapt to change. Agility and access to timely intelligence are now essential for resilience.”

Nearly 80% of security and health specialists anticipate static or decreasing budgets, potentially blocking the ability to manage risks at pace. Although data shows the burden of mental health issues continues to trend upwards, with over one billion individuals estimated to be living with mental health conditions, it only rates in the Top Three concerns for 17% of those surveyed.

“Forgetting health means forgetting the human,” asserted Dr Irene Lai (global medical director at International SOS). “International SOS case data indicates that anxiety and stress are the most common mental health conditions requiring our assistance, with medication issues often complicating travel. Health risks rarely occur in isolation anymore. Extreme weather, mental health challenges and infectious disease threats often overlap with security crises. Organisations must integrate medical and security planning in order to protect their people on an effective basis.”

*Further information is available online at www.internationalsos.com