Global cooperation has remained broadly stable in recent years despite intensifying geopolitical headwinds, but continues to fall short of what is needed to address major economic, security and environmental challenges, according to research from the World Economic Forum.

According to the WEF's Global Cooperation Barometer, cooperation remains largely unchanged as traditional multilateral approaches weaken and smaller, more flexible arrangements emerge within and between regions. Cooperation is strongest where it aligns with national interests, particularly in climate and nature, and in innovation and technology, while peace and security continues to deteriorate.

Developed with McKinsey and Company, the barometer assesses 41 metrics across trade and capital, innovation and technology, climate and natural capital, health and wellness, and peace and security. While overall cooperation remains flat, its composition has shifted significantly.

Trade and capital cooperation has levelled off, remaining above 2019 levels but changing in character as goods trade grows more slowly than the global economy, and services and selected capital flows gain momentum among aligned economies. Innovation and technology cooperation has increased, driven by rising IT services, talent flows and expanded international bandwidth, even as restrictions on critical technologies expand.

Climate and natural capital cooperation has grown but remains insufficient to meet global goals, despite record clean technology deployment by mid-2025. Health and wellness cooperation has held steady, though declining development assistance has increased fragility, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Peace and security cooperation, meanwhile, continues to fall as conflicts intensify, with the number of forcibly displaced people reaching 123 million globally by the end of 2024.

“Amid one of the most volatile and uncertain periods in decades, cooperation has shown resilience,” said Børge Brende, president and CEO of the World Economic Forum. “While cooperation today may look different than it did yesterday, collaborative approaches are essential to grow economies wisely, accelerate innovation responsibly and prepare for the challenges of a more uncertain era. Flexible, nimble and purpose-driven approaches are most likely to withstand the current turbulence and deliver results.”

The findings highlight the need to rebuild effective dialogue as the basis for advancing shared interests.

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