Analyses of trust in different voice and institutions, by country, gender, age and religion
This is the first data set of this size to capture comprehensive information about the experience during COVID-19, future outlook, and sense of preparedness for future emergencies such as climate disruption and conflict, as well as existing and new pandemic threats.
In G7 countries, individual assessments of government performance during COVID and confidence in government for future pandemics do not all align with burden of disease and death and measures taken by government, influencing confidence in government capacity to manage future crises. For example, in Japan, 12 percent of people thought the government did “well” during the COVID-19 crisis–the lowest percentage of any G7 country, even though Japan had the lowest rates of COVID-19 infections and deaths per million of any G7 nation.
The Global Listening Project identified several specific demographics that are more disillusioned and have lower levels of trust than the rest of the population. For example, in the US, women over 35 had dramatically lower levels of trust in government than any other demographic.
In some populations, regret over COVID-19 immunization, anger or frustration around pandemic lockdowns and pandemic control measures actions have eroded trust that needs rebuilding. In Cameroon, 63% of people who got the COVID-19 vaccine said they regretted it–compared with 30% of the population surveyed in the African region.
In the US, young people, aged 18-24 years old, reported the highest levels of loneliness (60%) and mental health problems (57%) across all ages, a tangible issue that will need addressing before having longer term consequences.
Each month, in the run up to the Summit for the Future in September 2024, the Project will explore specific, critical issues that the study has identified, to support policymakers in designing concrete action plans and strategies. Our first priority is trust building strategies, foundational for global security.
Overall, people reported higher confidence in their own ability to cope, than in government readiness for another crisis. Yet, the study also found that no matter what type of governance people are living with, and no matter where they live in the world, they think that honest, transparent decision making, combined with clear communication from governments will improve preparedness.
