The Future of Materials Systems 2026

Conclusion This report is published at a moment when the assumptions that have long underpinned stable and efficient materials markets are being fundamentally reworked. Rapid technological change, geostrategic realignment and intensifying environmental pressures are testing the resilience of the materials systems that sit at the heart of economic growth, societal progress and national security. The analysis in this paper highlights a central paradox: demand for international cooperation on materials is rising – driven by shared exposure to supply concentration, volatility and systemic risk – yet existing multilateral mechanisms for delivering effective coordination are under growing strain. A crowded and fragmented landscape of initiatives, combined with uncertainty around data sharing and intellectual property, continues to inhibit effective cooperation, even as appetite for cooperation remains strong. Against this backdrop, the report finds that, in a multipolar context, progress is less likely to emerge through multilateral consensus and more likely through targeted, interest-based forms of cooperation that match specific challenges with coalitions of actors sharing enough common ground to work together. Building on this finding, the report identifies three core insights to strengthen international cooperation on materials. Cooperation approaches need to adapt to a multipolar context. Smaller, agile and interest-based “coalitions of the doing” can pilot solutions, generate evidence and share lessons at speed. Meanwhile, intergovernmental organizations play a more critical coordinating role in maintaining coherence, inclusiveness and pathways to scaling-up.The circular economy provides a systemic approach to strengthening materials systems, by reducing reliance on primary extraction, extending material lifetimes, and improving productivity, resilience and environmental performance. However, circular value chains are inherently transboundary and progress cannot be achieved through unilateral action alone. Without stronger international cooperation on data, standards and market practices, circular economy strategies risk becoming fragmented and ineffective. Cooperation must be prioritized and sequenced around three areas: –Data transparency and traceability, including improved mapping of global flows of materials, associated impacts and the interoperability of traceability schemes. –International standards, including the benchmarking of responsible mining standards and development of shared standards for circularity. –Modernized trade and market cooperation, including improved market coordination on strategic minerals and reducing barriers to trade for the circular economy. Taken together, these elements form an action- orientated agenda for international cooperation in an uncertain and rapidly changing global environment.The emerging multipolar order demands more interest-based and adaptive cooperation efforts to ensure materials systems remain resilient, productive and sustainable. The Future of Materials Systems: Cooperation Opportunities in a Multipolar World 29