A global social problem is a challenge that affects people, communities, or countries across different parts of the world. Its causes and consequences extend beyond national borders, meaning that no single community or country can fully address it alone.

Examples include climate change, poverty, forced migration, armed conflict, economic inequality, discrimination, public-health crises, human trafficking, and the digital divide. Although these challenges are global, people do not experience them equally. Their effects often depend on factors such as location, income, gender, disability, age, access to services, and political or economic conditions.

A global problem can appear differently in different communities. For example, climate change may contribute to floods in one region, drought and food insecurity in another, and higher energy costs elsewhere. Similarly, digital inequality may involve a lack of internet access in one community and limited digital skills or inaccessible technology in another.

Understanding global social problems requires examining how countries, institutions, businesses, communities, and individuals are connected. It also requires cooperation across borders, while ensuring that responses are adapted to the needs and realities of local communities.