Our Scans · (LF.16) 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] 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] As Germany's constitution protects academic freedom, equipping researchers and research institutions with the knowledge needed to take legal action against attacks could be beneficial. 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] 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not incur additional risk of enforcement actions, and the UK FCA has issued more than £316 million in fines in 2026 for outdated systems and controls failures, not for AI adoption.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] Institutions responsibly experimenting with innovative technologies will not incur any additional risk of enforcement actions. Liminal.co
• [New] American policymakers have begun to recognize the risk of parallel financial institutions. Hudson Institute
• [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] Legitimate foreign national researchers will continue to seek educational and research opportunities in the United States based on the excellence of United States institutions and programs. Federal Register
• [New] DHS asserts that U.S. educational institutions will continue to attract foreign students because U.S. institutions offer a high-quality education. Federal Register
• [New] Justice Department guidance narrowing obligations under landmark disability laws, combined with Trump's order promoting involuntary treatment for homelessness, could embolden states to steer people back into institutions. Los Angeles Times
• [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
• [New] China supports reaching a comprehensive and lasting peace deal and will continue to maintain strategic communication with Russia on the matter. U.S.-CHINA ECONOMIC and SECURITY REVIEW COMMISSION
• [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
• As CBET volumes grow in South Asia, stronger regional planning institutions and closer coordination, particularly for transmission development and system operations, will become increasingly important. ORF Middle East
• The likelihood of a coup in Turkey will be much lower once state institutions begin to perform their primary duties. Daily Sabah
• If AI is remaking the world-creating new problems and, perhaps, solving some of the most intractable ones-then the world will need what higher education institutions are uniquely positioned to provide: the deep expertise of faculty and researchers across disciplines. Educause Review

Last updated: 27 July 2026