Edelman's 2023 Trust Barometer report reveals that business is now viewed as the only global institution to be both competent and ethical. It explores how a lack of faith in societal institutions triggered by economic anxiety, disinformation, mass-class divide and a failure of leadership has created a deeply and dangerously polarised world - 53% of respondents globally say their countries are more divided today than in the past. This year's report finds that economic optimism has collapsed globally (from 50% to 40%), with half of the countries surveyed showing a year-on-year double-digit decline in the belief their families will be better off in five years' time. 

The report emphasises that as the most trusted institution, business holds the mantle of greater expectation and responsibility. It recommends that organisations should leverage their comparative advantage to inform debate and deliver solutions across climate change, diversity and inclusion, and skills training.