Global Scans · Trust · Weekly Summary

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WHAT'S NEXT?: Trust in politicians and experts is falling fast. Privacy is under threat and may lead to a collapse of confidence in technology as the world is increasingly networked. Unless reliability, integrity, and surety can keep pace with accelerating change trust in anything but oneself may disappear.

• The EU's support for Timor Leste joining the World Trade Organization will help its integration into the global economy and regional architecture. TEMPO.CO
• The World Health Assembly adopted the Global framework for integrating well-being into public health utilizing a health promotion approach, which strives to enable all people to flourish and achieve their full physical and mental health potential throughout their lives and across generations. European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO)
• EVE Energy will supply Lithium Iron Phosphate battery cells for Wartsila's GridSolv Quantum energy storage system, a fully integrated modular and compact solution that supports the integration of storage into electricity grids and the increase of renewable energy. Wartsila.com
• Businesses, public administrations and individuals in Europe will be in control of the data they generate, while knowing that they can trust the way in which it is used to boost innovation. Shaping Europe's digital future
• From a macro perspective, while higher inflation and interest rates have pressured consumer demand, inflation has been moderating and the Federal Reserve's indication that interest rates could be lower by the end of 2024 has been a key factor in recent optimism and consumer confidence. Insider Monkey
• The integration of technology into consumer and enterprise practices, guided by regulations, is expected to unlock local capital for real estate development, contributing to India's real estate growth potential. Mint
• The National Energy and Climate Plan stresses Bulgaria's commitment to decarbonize its economy by 2050 in the context of the European Green Deal, but also states the intention to keep Bulgaria's reliance on domestic lignite sources to 2050 and beyond. International Trade Administration | Trade.gov
• US-based nuclear company Holtec has announced the development of a new power plant design that will integrate the use of nuclear and solar energy. The Independent Global Nuclear News Agency
• New technological means, such as drones, unmanned systems, systems integration, and other advanced technological systems can allow Ukrainian forces to maximize their combat potential using fewer resources and inflict maximum damage on Russian forces. Institute for the Study of War
• Integrating solutions like AI could dramatically streamline processes and reduce costs, contributing to a stronger outlook for 2024. Legal Futures
• The Federal Reserve is expected to keep interest rates at their current levels amid improving consumer confidence and a declining inflation rate. NBC News
• A slowing economy will drive growing public discontent: The combination of slowing economic growth and erosion of trust could heighten public discontent and even drive new protests in 2024. Asia Society
• Given North Korea's isolation and reliance on cyber activities for revenue and disruption, Lazarus Group might remain a significant threat in 2024. Bitdefender Blog
• As power grids integrate more DERs, the converged FAN will play a significant role in guaranteeing effective energy provision and administration - thereby removing the risk of power utilities becoming the bottleneck in the world's sustainability efforts. Industrial News
• One prime candidate for an existential threat to the EU's economic model emerges from its heavy reliance on external demand for its products, particularly from China and the US. Centre for European Reform
• AI can be a window of opportunity for European countries to deepen their integration, maximise their diplomatic influence and diversify their economies in the coming years by focusing on technology diplomacy. The Diplomat in Spain
• The National Trust plans to create vast new areas of temperate rainforest in the south-west of England. BBC News
• Somalia is currently facing a significant threat to its sovereignty and territorial integrity due to a deal signed between Ethiopia and the breakaway region of Somaliland. WardheerNews
• Russia is increasingly confident that deepening economic and diplomatic ties with China and the Global South will allow it to challenge the international financial system dominated by the United States and undermine the West. The Washington Post
• China appears to be determined to further strive for self-reliance and indigenous innovation, to seize opportunities for strategic acquisitions and technology transfer, and to play a more significant role in global standard setting and alternative ecosystems. The National Bureau of Asian Research
• Experts are confidently predicting AI and tools such as ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, Google Bard and Amazon Q will continue to soar in 2024, as more companies experiment, make discoveries and deploy AI as part of everyday operations. Canberra CityNews
• The Pentagon has no overarching UAP policy and, as a result, it lacks assurance that national security and flight safety threats to the United States from UAP have been identified and mitigated. Yahoo News
• Apple will still enforce a review process for apps that do not come through its store, but it will be focused on platform integrity and protecting users from things like malware. Engadget

Last updated: 05 February 2024