Poll Finds Strong Public Support for Global Cooperation, But Key Institutions Get Low Marks

A recent global survey of over 36,300 people in 34 countries, commissioned by the Rockefeller Foundation and conducted between August 8 and September 10, 2025, reveals that while people overwhelmingly support international cooperation on issues like trade, health, environment and poverty, they express deep dissatisfaction with institutions tasked with leading those efforts. 

---

Key Findings

• High support for cooperation

  • 75% of respondents say they support global cooperation if it can effectively solve major problems. More than 90% believe cooperation is important in specific areas: trade & economic development (92%), food & water security (93%), health (91%), and employment (around 90%) among them. 

• Low trust in international bodies

  • Only 58% say they trust the United Nations. 

  • Trust in the WHO is slightly higher at 60%, while trust in the International Monetary Fund (IMF) lags behind at 44%. 

• Disconnection between global and personal

  • Just 42% believe that global cooperation serves their own personal interests,* indicating a perceptual gap: people want cooperation, but many feel they don’t benefit directly from it. 

---

What It Means & What’s Next

• The poll points to a paradox: the global public wants stronger multilateral cooperation, but is losing faith in the institutions supposed to deliver it. This gap could undermine the legitimacy and effectiveness of global governance unless addressed.

• In response, the Rockefeller Foundation is launching a US$50 million initiative called “The Shared Future”.  Its goal is to reimagine international cooperation, especially around health and food systems, and to develop new partnerships better designed for the 21st century. 

---

Implications

• Global institutions (UN, WHO, IMF) may need reforms to rebuild trust — transparency, accountability, more equitable voice for countries often marginalized, clearer demonstration of direct benefits to everyday people.

• Policymakers and global leaders must close the perception gap: illustrate how cooperation on climate, trade, health etc. tangibly improves life locally.

• There's an opportunity (and pressure) for civil society, media, and governments to push for “global cooperation done differently” – more than just declarations; tangible outcomes and fairness in sharing costs/benefits.