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] There are fears the Epstein files could have an impact on Norway's international reputation as a peace broker and advocate of peace. The Guardian
• [New] Hungary will be expected to meet several conditions related to its institutions, judiciary system, checks on corruption, asylum laws and academic freedoms. The Guardian
• [New] The role of religion remains fundamental in many societies and has the potential to play a critical role in fostering Middle East peace. The Washington Institute
• [New] If the standoff in the Strait of Hormuz is not quickly ended, anticipatory actions should be considered, in particular asking multilateral institutions to provide financing to countries at risk of losing access to basic fertilizer inputs, given their planting has started. CNS Media
• [New] Deploying a missile unit on the remote Yonaguni Island amounts to building a frontline stronghold for military confrontation and threatens regional peace and stability. Japan Wire by KYODO NEWS
• [New] China will continue to actively engage in mediation for a ceasefire, striving to restore peace and stability to the Middle East at an early date. The Washington Institute
• [New] As a permanent member of the UN Security Council and sincere friend of Middle Eastern countries, China will stay committed to urging peace and defending justice and fairness. The Washington Institute
• [New] China has always been a steadfast force for peace, stands ready to continue playing a constructive role, and will dispatch its special envoy on the Middle East issue to regional countries for mediation. The Washington Institute
• [New] The Iranian side will do its utmost to guarantee the safety and security of Chinese personnel and institutions. The Washington Institute
• [New] Japan, Country of the Year, will be showcasing its tech ecosystem and arriving with a delegation of institutions, companies and startups, while many other countries in Asia as well as in America and Africa will also be well-represented. Vivatechnology
• [New] Supreme Decrees 5309 and 5468 require public-sector entities to store non-public government data within Bolivian territory by 2030, effectively barring U.S. cloud service providers from offering storage services to government institutions. Michael Geist
• [New] A potential peace deal with Russia could include the prospect of EU membership as early as 2027 as a carrot for Ukrainian voters. Politico
• [New] The Department of Justice will vigorously prosecute anyone who buys or sells sanctioned Iranian oil. NCRI
• [New] The United States has warned that it will take strict legal action against anyone involved in trading sanctioned Iranian oil, as it moves ahead with a naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz following failed peace talks with Iran. NCRI
• [New] Citizens and businesses will interact with institutions through advanced platforms like e-Albania, eliminating paperwork and bureaucracy. Digital Watch Observatory
• [New] Without functioning power systems, clear rules, and credible institutions, the ASEAN Power Grid (APG) risks becoming another regional ambition that never fully materializes. Center for Strategic and International Studies
• [New] Following a period of adaptive or hybrid learning - adjusted in response to global circumstances - in-person learning will resume in public and private educational institutions. Travel And Tour World
• [New] Since the joint Israeli-American strike on Iran, Jewish institutions worldwide have seen a surge in antisemitic attacks and threats. Haaretz
• [New] The multilateral institutions on which the middle powers have relied - the WTO, the UN, the COP - the architecture, the very architecture of collective problem-solving are under threat. FlippingBook
• [New] While events in the Middle East may contribute to the increased threat to American Jews and Jewish institutions, the actions of the U.S. or Israeli military - or events in the Middle East in general - should never be used as an excuse or justification for antisemitism. Jewish Democratic Council of America
• [New] Ankara is closely tracking the integration of the Syrian Democratic Forces into state institutions and wants the process completed without disruption to safeguard Syria and its neighbours.
• [New] The Liberal government announced other steps to protect Canada's democratic institutions - including investing $31.5 million over five years to boost Global Affairs Canada (GAC)'s ability to detect and respond to foreign interference threats. CBC

Last updated: 20 April 2026