Global survey reinforces case for a UN Parliamentary Assembly

An international survey conducted in 101 countries reveals public interest in democratic representation at the global level. Commissioned by Democracy Without Borders, the poll asked whether people support or oppose the creation of a "citizen-elected World Parliament to handle global issues". The results show that 40% of respondents globally were in favor, 27% opposed, and 33% were neutral—a relative majority in support.

The findings come amid ongoing global crises and efforts to reform the United Nations. According to Democracy Without Borders' report, the survey results "reinforce the urgency for democratic governments" to consider the long-standing proposal of a UN Parliamentary Assembly (UNPA) which is seen as a first step toward a fully fledged world parliament.

A UNPA would allow elected representatives—either national parliamentarians and or directly elected delegates—to participate in global deliberations and oversight. Supporters argue that such a body could strengthen the legitimacy and accountability of international decision-making, especially in areas like climate policy, economic justice, and peace and security.

In the new survey, the largest on the subject to date, support for a World Parliament is strongest in the Global South. Sub-Saharan Africa recorded the highest regional net support at 23 percentage points. In Mozambique, Türkiye, and Cuba, support exceeds 50%. Relative majorities were found in 85 of the 101 countries surveyed. In contrast, 16 countries—mostly high-income democracies—showed more opposition than support, including the United States, the United Kingdom, or Germany. But even here large shares of neutral respondents suggest the topic remains open for public debate.

Democracy Without Borders interprets the results as a sign that citizens, especially in less powerful nations, are looking for more meaningful participation in global affairs. “The demand for democratizing global governance is not only driven by elites. It is the opposite,” the organization said in a statement. “It resonates with people around the world.”

A detailed survey report is available on the Democracy Without Borders website.