Amid geopolitical tensions, global partnerships in climate finance, tech offer hope

Global cooperation in climate finance, trade and innovation can offer hope in a world where international cooperation has “flatlined” due to heightened geopolitical tensions and instability, says the latest edition of the World Economic Forum’s annual Global Cooperation Barometer (GCB) report that tracks the dynamics of global cooperation.

Now in its second edition, GCB 2025 looks at 41 global cooperation indicators between 2012 and 2023 to analyse five pillars of global cooperation: trade and capital flows, innovation and technology, climate and natural capital, health and wellness, and peace and security. The report developed in collaboration with McKinsey & Company underscores the urgency of addressing shared challenges and offers leaders guidance on what cooperation can look like in a shifting world.

"This second edition of the Global Cooperation Barometer focuses on where cooperation stands today and what it can look like in the new technological age," said Bob Sternfels, Global Managing Partner, McKinsey & Company. “Advancing global innovation, health, prosperity and resilience cannot be done alone. Leaders will need new mechanisms for working together on key priorities, even as they disagree on others, and the past several years have shown this balance is possible."

The GCB 2025 highlights that global cooperation is at a critical juncture. The report’s analysis reveals that after trending positively for a decade and surpassing pre-pandemic levels, overall cooperation has stagnated.

“The Barometer is being released at a moment of great global instability and at a time when many new governments are developing agendas for the year, and their terms, ahead,” said Børge Brende, President and CEO of the World Economic Forum. “What the Barometer shows is that cooperation is not only essential to address crucial economic, environmental and technological challenges, it is possible within today’s more turbulent context.”

According to the report, despite geopolitical fragmentation, there is positive momentum in other areas. “Climate cooperation advanced through increased financing and a surge in trade for low-carbon technologies like solar and wind. Cooperation around technology and innovation also advanced in 2023, in part due to digitisation of the global economy, which helped drive the adoption of new technologies, a strong ramp-up in the supply of critical minerals, and a rebound in student mobility”, it said.

Stating that AI and other emerging technologies are reshaping the global landscape and driving upheaval, the report said concerted cooperation will be critical to harness benefits and minimize risks, including that of a potential “AI arms race” and a new frontline of geostrategic competition.