Rebuilding Public Trust: Why the 2026 OECD Global Forum Focuses on Strengthening Democracy and Government Performance

Public trust is one of the most valuable assets a government can possess. When citizens believe that public institutions are transparent, accountable, and capable of solving problems, societies become more stable, economies perform better, and democratic systems grow stronger. However, across many parts of the world, confidence in governments has been steadily declining as people question whether public institutions can effectively respond to today’s increasingly complex challenges.

Recognizing the urgency of this issue, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) will host the 2026 OECD Global Forum in Paris, France, on 12–13 October 2026. The event will bring together policymakers, academics, business leaders, civil society representatives, and international experts to explore practical ways democracies can improve governance, deliver better public services, and restore citizens’ trust.

Why Public Trust Matters

Trust is the foundation of every successful democracy. It enables governments to implement policies, respond to emergencies, and encourage public participation in national development.

When citizens trust their institutions, they are more likely to:

• Follow public health and safety guidelines.
• Pay taxes willingly.
• Participate in elections.
• Support long-term reforms.
• Engage in community decision-making.
• Cooperate during national crises.

Without trust, even well-designed policies may struggle to achieve their intended outcomes because people become skeptical of government intentions and effectiveness.

Growing Challenges for Governments

Governments today operate in an environment far more complex than in previous decades. They must simultaneously address climate change, economic uncertainty, technological transformation, cybersecurity threats, demographic shifts, public health emergencies, and geopolitical tensions.

Citizens increasingly expect faster, more transparent, and more effective responses to these issues. Social media and digital communication have also accelerated the spread of information, making government actions subject to immediate public scrutiny.

When governments fail to meet expectations, public confidence can decline rapidly.

Factors Behind Declining Trust

Several trends have contributed to growing public skepticism toward institutions across different countries.

Economic inequality remains a major concern, with many people believing that opportunities and public resources are not distributed fairly.

Political polarization has made consensus-building more difficult, while misinformation and disinformation have complicated public understanding of important policy issues.

In some regions, corruption scandals and bureaucratic inefficiencies have further weakened confidence in public institutions.

Additionally, younger generations often demand greater transparency, accountability, and citizen participation than previous generations.

The Purpose of the 2026 OECD Global Forum

The OECD Global Forum aims to provide an international platform where governments and experts can exchange ideas on strengthening democratic governance.

Rather than focusing solely on political debate, the forum emphasizes practical solutions that improve the relationship between governments and the people they serve.

Participants will examine successful policy initiatives, innovative governance models, and evidence-based strategies that can help rebuild public confidence.

Key Topics Expected at the Forum

The discussions are expected to cover several critical themes shaping the future of democratic governance.

Improving Government Performance

Citizens expect governments to deliver efficient public services, whether in healthcare, education, transportation, or digital administration. Improving service quality remains essential for rebuilding trust.

Transparency and Accountability

Open government practices, access to public information, independent oversight institutions, and anti-corruption measures help strengthen confidence in democratic systems.

Digital Transformation

Governments are increasingly adopting digital technologies to improve service delivery. The forum will explore how digital innovation can increase efficiency while protecting privacy and security.

Citizen Participation

Modern democracies benefit when citizens actively participate in policymaking through consultations, public dialogue, and community engagement initiatives.

Addressing Long-Term Challenges

Issues such as climate change, population ageing, artificial intelligence, and economic resilience require governments to think beyond short political cycles and develop sustainable long-term strategies.

Democracy in a Changing World

Democracy today faces both opportunities and challenges.

Advances in technology have made communication between governments and citizens easier than ever before. At the same time, digital platforms have increased the speed at which misinformation spreads, making it more difficult to maintain informed public debate.

Building trust therefore requires not only effective governance but also transparent communication and responsible use of technology.

The OECD’s Role

The OECD works with member and partner countries to promote policies that improve economic performance, social well-being, and institutional effectiveness.

Its research on public governance, regulatory quality, digital transformation, and public sector innovation provides valuable guidance for governments seeking to strengthen democratic institutions.

The Global Forum serves as an opportunity to translate research into practical policy recommendations.

Why Trust Supports Economic Growth

Public trust has significant economic benefits. Businesses are more likely to invest in countries with stable institutions and predictable regulations. Investors value transparent governance, while citizens are more willing to support reforms when they trust decision-makers.

High-trust societies often experience stronger social cohesion, greater resilience during crises, and more sustainable economic development.

Looking Toward the Future

Rebuilding trust is not a short-term project. It requires continuous commitment to good governance, ethical leadership, institutional reform, and meaningful engagement with citizens.

Governments must demonstrate that they can solve real-world problems while remaining accountable and responsive to public needs.

International forums such as the OECD Global Forum create valuable opportunities for countries to learn from one another and adapt successful governance practices to their own national contexts.

Conclusion

As democracies face increasingly complex global challenges, restoring public trust has become one of the defining priorities of modern governance. The 2026 OECD Global Forum, scheduled for 12–13 October in Paris, will bring together global leaders and experts to discuss how governments can deliver better results, strengthen democratic institutions, and rebuild confidence among citizens.

By promoting transparency, accountability, innovation, and citizen participation, governments can create stronger public institutions capable of addressing both today’s urgent issues and tomorrow’s long-term challenges. Strengthening trust is not only essential for healthy democracies—it is also a cornerstone of sustainable economic and social progress.