World Economic Forum’s Global Cooperation Barometer 2025

January 8, 2025

Recent global dynamics reveal a concerning stagnation in international cooperation, primarily due to escalating geopolitical tensions. The World Economic Forum’s Global Cooperation Barometer 2025 indicates that while cooperation has ‘flatlined’, there are promising developments in climate finance, trade, and innovation. This report, created in partnership with McKinsey & Company, employs 41 indicators to assess the current state of global cooperation across five critical pillars.

Overview of the Global Cooperation Barometer

The Global Cooperation Barometer is a comprehensive tool designed to help leaders understand the complexities of global cooperation.
The Barometer examines trade and capital flows, innovation and technology, climate and natural capital, health and wellness, and peace and security.
The second edition draws on new data, providing an updated view of the cooperation landscape, especially in light of technological advancements.

Current Global Instability

The Barometer’s release coincides with global instability. Børge Brende, President and CEO of the World Economic Forum, emphasised the necessity of cooperation to tackle pressing economic, environmental, and technological issues. The report marks that while cooperation is vital, it is also feasible amid current turbulence.

Trends in Global Cooperation

The analysis reveals that global cooperation has stagnated after a decade of positive trends. This stagnation is largely attributed to a decline in the peace and security pillar, driven by increasing geopolitical tensions. Notably, conflicts in regions such as the Middle East, Ukraine, and Sudan have exacerbated humanitarian crises.

Opportunities Amidst Challenges

Despite the decline in peace and security, the Barometer identifies emerging opportunities for cooperation in areas like vaccine distribution, scientific research, and renewable energy. These collaborative efforts serve as models for future international partnerships, showcasing that cooperation can persist even in challenging circumstances.

Technological Advancements and Cooperation

The Barometer notes advancements in technology and innovation in 2023, largely due to the digitisation of the global economy. This shift has led to increased adoption of new technologies and a decrease in lithium battery prices. However, the rise of emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, poses new challenges and risks, potentially leading to an “AI arms race.”

Climate Cooperation Progress

Cooperation regarding climate goals has improved, with increased financial flows and trade in low-carbon technologies. Nevertheless, urgent actions are necessary to achieve net-zero targets, as global emissions continue to rise. The Barometer stresses that enhanced global cooperation is critical for scaling up technologies and securing the required financing to meet climate objectives by 2030.

Health Cooperation

Post-pandemic health outcomes have shown improvements in life expectancy, although overall progress is slowing compared to pre-2020 levels. While some health cooperation metrics have declined, others, such as child and maternal mortality rates, remain strong. Leaders are urged to invest in global cooperation to strengthen public health systems in light of rising health risks and ageing populations.

Trade and Economic Flows

The report indicates mixed results regarding the flow of goods and services. Goods trade declined by 5%, influenced by slower growth in China and other developing markets. However, foreign direct investment has surged, particularly in sectors like semiconductors and green energy. Labour migration and remittances have also rebounded, exceeding pre-pandemic levels.

The Global Cooperation Barometer uses 41 indicators.
Børge Brende is the President and CEO of the World Economic Forum.
An “AI arms race” may emerge from technological advancements.
Climate cooperation has increased in low-carbon technology trade.
Foreign direct investment surged in strategic sectors post-pandemic.

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