In its 2015 Global Risks Report, published Thursday, the WEF found "interstate conflict with regional consequences" to be the top risk facing the world, ahead of extreme weather, the spread of infectious diseases, climate change and sky-high youth unemployment levels in some parts of the world.

The richest one per cent's share of global wealth increased from 44 per cent in 2009 to 48 percent in 2014, the British charity said in a report, adding that it will be more that 50 per cent in 2016.

More than 1,500 business leaders and 40 heads of state or government will attend the January 21-24 meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) to network and discuss big themes, from the price of oil to the future of the Internet.