- Trust in China among young people in Northern Ireland has grown since 2020 – with trust in Chinese institutions more than doubling.
- Trust in the United States remains low, with an 11 % drop in the trust of American people over five years
- Italy, Canada and Australia rank as the most attractive G20 countries
- While Ireland, Egypt and Vietnam are the most attractive non-G20 countries: with Ukraine ranking highly for trust in its people
- Young people prioritise peace, global cooperation, poverty reduction, and tackling climate change
- The UK is seen positively by NI young people for education, civil liberties, and global engagement
YOUNG people in Northern Ireland are showing significant shifts in trust towards major global powers, according to new British Council research. The study also reveals broader trends shaping how they see the world.
The findings, from Global Perceptions 2025, indicate a notable shift in how young people view global power, with traditional Western democracies no longer seen as the clear leaders they once were.
The research surveyed more than 20,000 young people aged 18–34 across 18 G20 nations, including participants in Northern Ireland, to explore perceptions of countries through measures of attractiveness and trust. Attractiveness reflects a country’s overall appeal, while trust assesses confidence in its people, government and institutions.
In Northern Ireland, trust in the United States is low across all measures, with overall attractiveness dropping by 23 points (57%) since 2023. Confidence in the American people has fallen from 53 per cent in 2020 to 42 per cent in 2025, while only 38 per cent trust US institutions and 32 per cent trust the US government. This trend mirrors patterns in Scotland and Wales, where trust in the US remains low, though not historically the lowest.
Trust in China by Northern Ireland respondents, meanwhile, has risen steadily since 2020, with perceived attractiveness up 31 points since 2023. Confidence in Chinese institutions has more than doubled, from 18 per cent to 40 per cent, trust in the government has increased by 10 per cent (from 20% to 30%), and trust in the Chinese people has grown from 32 per cent to 41 per cent. Similar patterns are seen across the other UK nations, suggesting a cautious openness to emerging powers and a more balanced view of China’s role in the world.
When asked which G20 countries they found most attractive overall, young people in Northern Ireland rated Italy (82%), Canada (79%), and Australia (78%) as the most attractive G20 countries. Among non-G20 nations, Ireland, Egypt and Vietnam received the highest ratings, while Ukraine scored highly on trust, particularly in its people, reflecting admiration for its resilience amid ongoing conflict.
These trends in Northern Ireland sit within a global landscape where the UK continues to perform well. Across all G20 countries surveyed, it is rated the third most attractive nation at 70 per cent, behind Japan (73%) and Italy (72%), and leads in trust in government at 55 per cent. This level of stability differs from countries such as Canada and Australia, which have seen significant drops since 2016.
When asked about values, young people in Northern Ireland expressed strong support for their country taking an active role on the global stage, emphasising the promotion of peace, equality, and sustainability. Out of all the UK nations, young people in Northern Ireland were the most likely to prioritise global peace and ending armed conflict (41%), while respondents in Scotland, England and Wales placed greater importance on advancing equality. Forty-six per cent of respondents also believe that Northern Ireland should engage internationally to protect national interests and advance global prosperity.
In terms of the world’s most urgent challenges, Northern Ireland respondents identified poverty (65%) and climate change (54%) as the issues that matter most, reflecting a generation concerned with both fairness, the current economic climate and long-term sustainability.
From the findings, the UK is viewed positively by those surveyed in Northern Ireland. Sixty-one per cent of NI respondents felt the UK respects different faiths and beliefs, acts as a force for good, and provides quality public services. In education, 70 per cent of respondents said it offers relevant skills and qualifications, while 71 per cent praised its world-leading universities and research. Young people also highlighted positive UK traits such as humour (41%), friendliness (33%), and education (27%), while noting perceived challenges including irresponsible drinking (40%), intolerance toward foreigners (29%), and a disregard for the law (24%).
The findings highlight a generation in Northern Ireland that is outward-looking, socially conscious, and realistic about shifting global influence.
Speaking about the findings, Colm McGivern, Director, British Council Northern Ireland, said: “Global Perceptions 2025 shows that young people in Northern Ireland are outward-looking and socially conscious, increasingly aware of shifting global power and the rise of authoritarianism. While trust in traditional Western powers is declining, young people remain committed to cooperation, cultural exchange and shared values. Organisations like the British Council play a vital role in supporting these aspirations, helping Northern Ireland engage confidently on the global stage and reinforcing the UK’s reputation as an open, connected and trusted partner."
Global Perceptions 2025 is the latest wave of British Council research exploring how young people across the G20 and the UK’s nations perceive countries’ influence, trustworthiness, and attractiveness. The full report is available at: https://www.britishcouncil.org/global-perceptions-2025
Global Perceptions continues the British Council’s work fostering connections, understanding, and trust between the UK and the world through education, arts, and English language teaching. To find out more about British Council’s work in Northern Ireland, visit: https://nireland.britishcouncil.org/ or follow on X, Facebook, or Instagram.