Rockefeller Foundation's $50 Million Initiative
New Survey Insights on Global Cooperation
On September 18, 2025, the Rockefeller Foundation unveiled the results of a new international poll along with its $50 million initiative aimed at fostering global cooperation. Conducted across 34 countries, the survey reveals a compelling yet fragile demand for nations to collaborate on shared challenges. The results highlight a global consensus that the interconnection of today's world necessitates a cooperative approach, despite rising nationalist sentiments.
The survey involved 36,405 adults from diverse regions, including North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. It focused on perceptions of international organizations and the importance of collaboration to tackle pressing global issues like climate change, health crises, and economic disparity.
Key Findings from the Survey
The survey indicators point to a significant desire for nations to unite in addressing common threats. Notably, 54% of participants felt that their lives are directly influenced by events occurring in other countries, while 55% believed their nations should engage in global challenges even at the expense of certain national interests. However, a staggering 75% expressed willingness to support international cooperation if it is shown to effectively tackle global crises.
Despite these figures suggesting a strong inclination for collaboration, there exists a pervasive skepticism regarding its effectiveness. Only 42% of respondents see international cooperation as aligning with their interests, indicating a critical need for results-driven initiatives to bridge this gap.
A Call to Action: Build the Shared Future Initiative
In response to this landscape of opinion, the Rockefeller Foundation has launched the Build the Shared Future initiative focusing on innovative solutions across various sectors. The goal is to dismantle existing barriers in international cooperation and pioneer new frameworks that prioritize efficient responses to global challenges.
To achieve this, the foundation has enlisted three influential experts:
- - Wally Adeyemo will focus on creating a new multilateral cooperation structure, leveraging his experience as a former Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of the Treasury.
- - Mark Dybul, a prominent figure in global health initiatives, will work on restructuring global health systems to address the health needs of populations effectively.
- - Simon Winter will concentrate on reimagining humanitarian food systems, employing advanced data technologies to enhance food security and crisis response.
Trust in Global Institutions
The survey results also shed light on the waning trust in existing international organizations that facilitate cooperation. While 90% of respondents acknowledged the importance of collective efforts to address issues like job creation, climate change, and food security, confidence levels in institutions such as the United Nations and the World Health Organization were notably low, at 58% and 60% respectively.
This trend underscores a pressing opportunity for entities like the Rockefeller Foundation to redesign cooperative frameworks that align with the aspirations of the global populace. By prioritizing inclusivity and efficacy, the foundation aims to inspire collective action that resonates with the needs of the many, rather than the few.
Towards a Transformative Future
Dr. Rajiv J. Shah, President of the Rockefeller Foundation, emphasizes the urgency of this moment for transformation. Reflecting on past initiatives which led to major public health advancements, he articulates the vision of constructing a new global architecture capable of confronting 21st-century challenges.
The Build the Shared Future initiative is a clarion call for nations, civil society, and international agencies to foster a more collaborative and effective response to the evolving landscape of global crises. With strategic investments and innovative thinking, the Rockefeller Foundation aims to catalyze actions that will fundamentally reshape how the world engages with its most formidable challenges.
In conclusion, as international dynamics shift and the clamor for collaborative strategies grows louder, this initiative marks a pivotal step towards a more cohesive and supportive global community, turning shared aspirations into tangible realities.
Supporting Statements
Various global leaders have expressed their support for the initiative, highlighting the importance of redefining collaboration in the contexts of health, economy, and climate. The onus now lies on each nation to adapt and respond to the clarion calls for partnerships that prioritize the integrity and wellbeing of all communities.
As the Rockefeller Foundation embarks on this transformative journey, one thing is clear: the future hinges not merely on individual interests but on our collective commitment to shared human dignity and progress.