Global tensions rise but cooperation refuses to collapse
Despite growing trade barriers and international strains, countries and companies are finding new ways to work together.
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Despite growing trade barriers and international strains, countries and companies are finding new ways to work together.
This, according to the Global Cooperation Barometer 2026 from the World Economic Forum, shows that smaller, more agile coalitions are driving progress in climate action, clean energy, and technology innovation, including AI and 5G.
The Global Cooperation Barometer – "first launched in 2024 – evaluates global collaboration across five interconnected dimensions: trade and capital; innovation and technology; climate and natural capital; health and wellness; and peace and security".
The report also found that while trade and health cooperation have remained largely stable, peace and security have seen a sharp decline, with rising conflicts and a record 123 million forcibly displaced people worldwide.
Climate and natural capital cooperation has grown, driven by increased financing and global supply chains that supported record deployment of clean technologies in 2025. China accounted for two-thirds of additions in solar, wind, and electric vehicles, while other developing economies also stepped up.
“Amid one of the most volatile and uncertain periods in decades, cooperation has shown resilience,” said Børge Brende, President and CEO, World Economic Forum said.
"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.”
Bob Sternfels, Global Managing Partner, McKinsey & Company, " Leaders are reimagining collaboration across borders.”
“Cooperation may look different today, and involve different partners, but importantly, it continues to deliver on some critical shared priorities. Collaborative progress can, and does, continue to happen even amid global divisions."
The Barometer also found that trade and capital cooperation remains above 2019 levels, but flows are increasingly shifting toward more aligned partners. Innovation and technology cooperation has also expanded, supported by higher IT services and talent flows, and international bandwidth that is now four times larger than before the COVID-19 pandemic.
Health cooperation has remained steady despite growing pressures on aid and development assistance, while peace and security cooperation continues to decline. The reports also encouraged leaders to find flexible and targeted ways to cooperate.
mthobisi.nozulela@iol.co.za
IOL Business