The United Nations General Assembly begins its high-level general debate next week, during which heads of state are expected to address current crises facing the organization and its member nations, including the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, climate change and the situation in Afghanistan. A Pew Research Center analysis finds that the UN is seen in a positive light by most in the 17 publics surveyed this year: A median of 67% express a favorable opinion of the UN, compared with a median of 29% who have an unfavorable opinion.

Favorable views of the UN have increased significantly in about half of the 13 countries where the question was asked in both 2020 and 2021. The largest increases come from Italy and Japan.

The UN’s response to climate change is seen in a positive light by many across the 17 publics surveyed. A median of 56% say the UN is doing a good job dealing with climate change, while a median of 39% say the organization is doing a bad job.