New research from UK for UNHCR reveals that music warms the UK’s heart this winter ― as 73% of people say that music unites us
A survey commissioned by UK for UNHCR explores how music brings people together across cultures, inspired by recent historical research led by Royal College of Music Research Fellow Norbert Meyn. The survey reveals fascinating insights into music’s role in helping to form social bonds, build community and develop understanding across cultures in the UK. The study forms part of the ‘Hope on Repeat’ campaign, launched by the UN Refugee Agency’s UK charity partner, to raise awareness of the hardship facing people forced to flee their homes in Afghanistan, Syria and Ukraine this winter.
Music connects us all
Questioned on music’s role in UK society, 73% of respondents see music as a way to build better relationships between people from different backgrounds[1]. The survey revealed:
Over a third (36%) cite music as a universal language
30% see music as a source of unity
More than a quarter (26%) think music breaks down social barriers
26% value music’s ability to start conversations
The survey also reports that 60% of people in the UK believe that listening to music from different parts of the world builds connection and understanding with people from different cultures [2]― six times the number who disagree.
As well as making people feel closer to others, it’s clear that music helps respondents to feel more positive: well over half (57%) state that they have go-to songs that lift their spirits, make them feel hopeful and inspired; and close to half (49%) turn to music to help them through difficult times.
Music as a safe space
The results of the survey underline music’s role in building communities and solidarity with others.
Royal College of Music Research Fellow, Norbert Meyn, whose research inspired the survey said, “Music travels easily across borders and does not need a passport. When people move, music moves with them, and music can also travel through sheet music and recordings. UK for UNHCR’s survey findings show that we not only turn to music as a source of hope and identity for ourselves, but we also see it as a way to actively connect with others. When shared, music can help us feel emotional warmth and human connection. Music drives a sense of community and togetherness like few other mediums.”
Streaming and social media broaden perspectives
Responses also show that the ways we now access music, across platforms ― such as Spotify, TikTok and YouTube ― help to broaden perspectives. 70% of respondents aged 18-34 believe that streaming and social media have introduced them to music from cultures they might not have heard before.
Vote for your Hope Hit
UK for UNHCR’s survey supports its ‘Hope on Repeat’ winter campaign. Hope on Repeat uses the medium of music to raise awareness of the hardship facing people forcibly displaced from their homes in Afghanistan, Syria and Ukraine at the coldest time of the year.
Everyone in the UK is invited to vote for their #HopeHit; the songs that bring joy, hope and inspire a sense of community. Nominations are building the UK’s definitive Hope on Repeat Playlist, a soundtrack of solidarity ― with the UK’s favourite #HopeHit announced in January 2026.
The Hope on Repeat Podcast also hears from people who have been forced to flee their homes, with the stories and soundtracks of their inspiring lives.
You can vote for your Hope Hit and listen to Hope on Repeat at https://unrefugees.org.uk/hope
Hope on Repeat guest, Syrian human rights advocate and dancer, Maysa, said, “As a dancer, I see the power of music to connect and unite every day. In a world that seems to be so divided, the UK’s belief in the power of music to unite is a real reason for hope.”
