Cambridge Global Perspectives survey results

As part of Global Perspectives Week, Cambridge International conducted a piece of research to seek the views of thousands of students around the world on global issues.

The research looked at what students think are the most important global issues; how they learn about them; and how their awareness of these issues might impact on their future career choices.

Over 11,000 students aged 13 to 19 took part in Cambridge International’s first ever Global Perspectives survey. The results found that students are keen to learn about global issues like climate change in school, but almost a third aren’t getting the opportunity to do so.

Globally, more than a quarter (26%) of all the students who responded to the survey said climate change was the biggest issue facing the world today. It topped the poll in three quarters of countries surveyed – the highest number of students opting for this were in Spain (46%), UK (45%), New Zealand (44%) and the United States (39%).

Only students in China, Indonesia and Brazil bucked the global trend. Chinese and Indonesian students felt pollution including plastic waste was the number one concern, and students in Brazil said poverty and economic inequality was their top concern. Globally, pollution and poverty and economic equality, were the second and third most chosen issues of concern.

Almost all students who took part in the survey (96%) believe it is important to learn about global issues in school. However, almost a third (31%) say they do not currently get the opportunity to do so, despite wanting to.

As a result, the research found many students around the world are turning to other sources of information to learn about global issues. A quarter of all students surveyed said their most trusted source of information is produced by charities and organisations which are dedicated to particular global issues, one in five turn to the internet and 17% to social media.

Younger students are learning about global issues in school slightly more frequently than their older peers. 41% of 13 to 16 year olds say they discuss global issues in school at least once a week, compared to just 35% of 17-19 year olds.

Almost half of all students surveyed felt that time at school dedicated to learning about important global issues would encourage them to be more active in raising awareness about it. Others said that better access to information explaining how they can help and a high profile campaign would encourage them to do more.

The study found that many students are already very active in taking individual action to tackle global issues. A staggering 92% of young people globally, already take some form of action. More than half (55%) raise awareness by sharing knowledge with family and friends, and 46% have made changes to their own lifestyle. Almost two in five students raise awareness on social media (38%), 26% sign petitions and 21% give money to organisations working to address big issues.

And looking ahead, three quarters of young people around the globe who responded to the survey said that when applying for jobs in the future they will consider what a potential employer’s attitude is towards global issues. A further 4 out of 5 want to pursue a career where they can make a positive contribution towards solving their issue of biggest concern.

Finally, two thirds of students globally believe the situation with these issues will be worse by 2030. Only 28% thought they would be better in 10 years' time.

The survey was conducted leading up to Cambridge Global Perspectives Week 2020. During the week, schools had the opportunity to trial a Cambridge Global Perspectives™ lesson with younger and older students.

Christine Özden, Chief Executive, Cambridge International, said: 'In a world that is constantly evolving with some huge global challenges ahead, we feel that it is even more important that students not only engage with key global issues but develop the skills to research, discuss and evaluate the facts, and work with others to understand different perspectives around the world.

'Cambridge Global Perspectives equips students with the essential skills they need for further study at university and for the future world of work.'

Cambridge Global Perspectives is a unique and stimulating programme that provides an opportunity for students aged 5 to 19 to think and learn more about the topics and global issues they care about. It also focuses on developing life-long skills like critical thinking, research and collaboration.