Trust in Public Institutions in Latin America and the Caribbean

Nov 10, 2025 | 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Main Room

Description

Trust in public institutions is essential for enabling countries to implement meaningful reforms that deliver for citizens and to navigate crises. Yet, public trust has declined in Latin America since the 2008 global financial crisis, eroding particularly after episodes of social unrest marked by persistent inequalities that continue to strain the social fabric. Rebuilding public trust in the region is crucial for promoting inclusive growth, reinforcing democratic institutions, and ensuring effective governance. In this session, the OECD secretariat will present main results of the 2025 OECD Survey on Drivers of Trust in Public Institutions in Latin America and the Caribbean, the first regional exercise of the Global Trust Survey Project. The survey examines how trust in public institutions is influenced by people's perceptions of government competence, integrity, openness, and fairness—both in everyday interactions with institutions and in broader decision-making processes on complex challenges. The report provides innovative evidence and suggests policy actions based on the findings from nearly 18 000 responses across ten LAC countries.