Security in a risky world

In an increasingly borderless and connected world, OECD countries are facing ever more complex security challenges. Education has an important role to play in building awareness to prevent security risks and strengthening resilience in times of crisis. This chapter explores these issues through five themes:Personal and health security – explores a positive trend and a negative trend: the increasing safety on our roads and the decreasing effectiveness of antibiotics.Cyber security – illustrates the rapidly growing number of cyber security incidents and the rising importance of privacy and security experts in a digital world.National security – highlights the decline of nuclear testing and traditional war between countries, as well as ongoing internal conflicts.Environmental security – emphasises the importance of environmental protection by examining the worldwide rise in natural disasters and the consequences of air pollution. Economic security – examines job market insecurity with the trends of increasing household debt and expected earnings loss due to unemployment.The security trends highlighted in this chapter are then linked to education, from early childhood education and care to lifelong learning. The chapter ends with a look at how using different versions of the future can help us better prepare for the unknown.