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 Philippine government has expressed cautious optimism over the planned peace talks between the United States and Iran, which will be facilitated by Pakistan. Manila Bulletin
• [New] The lack of progress in US-Iran peace talks, combined with Tehran's control over the Strait of Hormuz and the ongoing US blockade of Iranian ports, has kept energy prices elevated and inflation risks in focus. investing.com
• [New] Iran flaunted its tightened grip over the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday with video of its commandos storming a huge cargo ship, after the collapse of peace talks that Washington had hoped would open the world's most important shipping corridor. Insurance Journal
• [New] Peace between the US and Iran remains elusive, but do not expect oil prices to drop quickly even when a deal is hammered out. Business Insider
• [New] Even if a long-lasting peace deal with Iran were to be reached this week, it will likely take months for oil supplies to be restored. Business Insider
• [New] China will not give up hope for peace and will continue to play a constructive role in promoting peace. The Washington Institute
• [New] Under the current grave and complex situation, Iran will maintain its national and social stability, take seriously the legitimate concerns of neighboring countries, and ensure the safety of Chinese citizens and institutions in Iran. The Washington Institute
• [New] The Chinese side firmly supports Pakistan in its counterterrorism efforts and hopes that Pakistan will continue to make the utmost efforts to ensure the safety of Chinese personnel, projects, and institutions in Pakistan. The Washington Institute
• [New] China will continue to play a constructive role in safeguarding peace and stability in the Gulf region, and hopes that Bahrain will continue to ensure the safety of Chinese citizens and institutions in Bahrain. The Washington Institute
• [New] The U.S. will halt military operations in Iran for two weeks after receiving a 10-point peace proposal from Iran that President Donald Trump said on social media was a workable basis on which to negotiate. Successful Farming
• [New] If peace talks progress, energy price relief could prove durable and provide a meaningful tailwind to inflation expectations and the Fed's policy path. Condor Capital Wealth Management
• [New] A peace agreement might even impose constraints on Israel's ability to use military force against Iran and its proxies. Home & Away
• [New] Middle East peace signals create complex investment landscapes requiring continuous analysis of political sustainability, economic integration potential, and sector-specific opportunity timing. Discovery Alert
• [New] Peace could bring rebuilding contracts and fresh demand for Chinese green technology. The Asia Cable
• [New] Hamas has told mediators it will not discuss giving up arms without guarantees that Israel will fully quit Gaza as laid out in a disarmament plan for Trump's Board of Peace. Just Security
• 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
• Hungary will be expected to meet several conditions related to its institutions, judiciary system, checks on corruption, asylum laws and academic freedoms. The Guardian
• 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
• 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
• 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
• 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

Last updated: 27 April 2026