Global Scans · Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions · Weekly Summary

In September 2015, 193 world leaders agreed to 17 Global Goals for Sustainable Development. If these Goals are completed, it would mean an end to extreme poverty, inequality and climate change by 2030.
Goal 16: Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels.

• [New] The collapse of trust in institutions after a pandemic could last over a generation as it happened before with the Spanish flu, so that it will be crucial to identify tailored interventions for each less trusting population. PubMed Central (PMC)
• [New] Oil prices are going to keep moving higher unless signs emerge of willingness from either the U.S. or Iran, or both, they are ready to start discussing peace. investing.com
• [New] Renewed US strikes on Iran for 12 days in a row, and new attacks on Saudi oil tankers by Yemen's Houthis, have put paid to any hopes of peace in the near term. The Guardian
• [New] Policymakers and public leaders who embed foresight into government planning and decision-making will be better equipped to accelerate SDG progress, navigate global uncertainty, and build institutions capable of delivering on the promise of sustainable development for present and future generations. UN DESA Publications
• [New] The German Research Foundation has issued a warning to scientists and research institutions about growing threats to academic freedom. Chemistry World
• [New] Germany's largest research funding organization has issued a warning to scientists and research institutions about growing threats to academic freedom. Chemistry World
• [New] The BRICS financial agenda, focused on promoting non-dollar trade, diversifying reserves, and building parallel institutions, turns the long-standing sentiment of nonalignment into a material threat to US interests. Hudson Institute
• [New] By bringing together EU institutions, Member States, industry, researchers, open-source communities and international partners, it aims to ensure that Europe can harness the benefits of AI while remaining resilient against emerging cybersecurity threats. Shaping Europe's digital future
• [New] 84% of financial institutions now consider tokenization a strategic priority, with most expecting it to reshape financial markets within five years. CoinDesk
• [New] Institutions responsibly experimenting with innovative technologies will not incur any additional risk of enforcement actions. Liminal.co
• [New] DHS is unable to accurately forecast which actions institutions may take to address the possibility that nonimmigrant enrolment may decline and impact their financial health. Federal Register
• [New] In a world where knowledge, tools, and work are changing quickly, institutions will create more value if they help learners return, reorient, and continue learning over time. Ithaka S+R
• [New] Penalties for violating the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act can reach up to 1.5 million dollars per violation category annually, creating immense financial risk for healthcare institutions. Market Data Forecast
• [New] The world is much safer - Peace in the Middle East - Before you know it, oil will be $2.50 a gallon for gas. Fullerton Observer
• [New] Institutions responsibly experimenting with innovative technologies will not incur additional risk of enforcement actions, and the UK FCA has issued more than £316 million in fines in 2026 for outdated systems and controls failures, not for AI adoption. Liminal.co
• [New] China may support the UN, the SCO and other multilateral institutions, but its selective adherence to common rules risks turning its multilateralism into a vehicle to compete with US rather than constraining great-power rivalry. Merics
• [New] The Ocean of Peace alliance, which will in the future be open to other Pacific nations to join, aims to bolster regional security and limit China's influence. The Week
• [New] The U.S.-brokered deal envisions an Israeli troop withdrawal from Lebanon and an eventual peace agreement between the two countries - which technically remain in a state of war nearly 80 years after Israel's establishment. Counter Extremism Project
• [New] The likelihood of a coup in Turkey will be much lower once state institutions begin to perform their primary duties. Daily Sabah
• [New] Russian businesses and financial institutions may be exploring opportunities to use RMB in their international transactions after international sanctions curtailed Russian banks' access to U.S. dollars and euros. U.S.-CHINA ECONOMIC and SECURITY REVIEW COMMISSION
• [New] China hopes to see an early ceasefire in Ukraine and supports an international peace conference recognized by both Russia and Ukraine. U.S.-CHINA ECONOMIC and SECURITY REVIEW COMMISSION
• [New] China will continue to promote peace talks and is willing to maintain communication with all sides. U.S.-CHINA ECONOMIC and SECURITY REVIEW COMMISSION
• [New] China supports the consensus reached by the United States and Russia on starting peace talks and hopes that all stakeholders can participate in peace talks at the appropriate time. U.S.-CHINA ECONOMIC and SECURITY REVIEW COMMISSION

Last updated: 27 July 2026