Global – August 2026

Ahead of the 81st United Nations General Assembly beginning on Sept. 8, people in 37 countries view the UN more favorably than unfavorably. A median of 55% have a favorable opinion of the UN, according to a spring Pew Research Center survey. However, views have turned more negative in some countries in recent years, with favorability declining in 10 countries since we last asked this question in 2025. As children in the United States head back to school, some of them will have world language classes on their schedules. We asked Americans about their attitudes toward language learning, and 40% say it is extremely or very important for children to learn a language other than English. And more than half of Americans (53%) think it is highly important for U.S. schools to offer Spanish classes.