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The AfCFTA's Protocol on Women and Youth in Trade (PWYT), released in February 2024, aims to promote the socio-economic development of women and youth by providing affirmative action in capacity building, market intelligence, and trade credit. However, the document identifies a significant gap in the protocol's ability to support informal micro-enterprises, which constitute a large portion of women-led trade in Africa. It recommends the implementation of a four-tiered system of cross-subsidisation based on enterprise size and scope, the creation of a continental Simplified Trade Regime (STR), and the transition from volatile official development assistance (ODA) to sustainable funding derived from common external tariffs or domestic sales taxes.

The document clarifies the distinction between the CAR (the national database of rural properties) and Sicar (the technological platform that operationalizes it). It details the complex shared governance between the Brazilian Forest Service (SFB) and the Ministry of Management and Innovation in Public Services (MGI), particularly following the 2024 migration of data to Dataprev. The briefing assesses the progress of CAR data analysis, noting that while all states have begun the process, only about 3.3% of registries nationwide have been concluded. It highlights the role of automation tools—such as Análise Dinamizada, CAR Digital, and CAR 2.0—in scaling these analyses, while identifying persistent barriers including low data quality and insufficient technical staff.

The report provides a snapshot of the implementation of the Brazilian Forest Code in 2023, highlighting the roles of the Rural Environmental Registry (CAR) and the Environmental Compliance Program (PRA). While some states like Minas Gerais, Pará, and São Paulo have made significant strides through automated analysis tools and improved communication with landowners, the overall process remains bottlenecked at the analysis stage. The document also details the registration of traditional territories and the introduction of a specific module for agrarian reform settlement plots.

The report details a workshop evaluating South Africa's use of the INSPIRE framework to prevent violence against children (VAC). It identifies progress in research and policy, such as the Western Cape government's Safety Plan and the National Strategic Plan on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide. However, it highlights critical gaps, including the lack of a government focal point to maintain 'Pathfinding' momentum and poor coordination between government and NGOs. The document recommends the reappointment of an INSPIRE champion and the adaptation of the INSPIRE Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) to the South African context.

The report provides a detailed 'radiography' of the implementation of the Brazilian Forest Code in 2021. While CAR registration is advanced nationwide, the analysis and validation of these registries remain a critical bottleneck. Only a few states, such as Espírito Santo, have achieved high validation rates. The transition to the final stage—the Environmental Regularization Program (PRA)—is slow due to low producer interest and a lack of legal frameworks in several states. The report highlights the introduction of 'dynamic analysis' by the Brazilian Forest Service (SFB) as a potential accelerator and identifies significant legal uncertainties, particularly regarding the Atlantic Forest and the application of Article 68 of the Forest Code.

The 2021 snapshot of the Brazilian Forest Code implementation shows that while rural property registration (CAR) is well advanced nationwide, the subsequent analysis and validation stages remain significant bottlenecks. Only six states have fully operational Environmental Compliance Programs (PRA), and a group of states in the Northeast, Roraima, and Rio Grande do Sul continue to lag in legislation and implementation. Progress in 2021 included the incipient rollout of 'dynamic analysis' tools in five states and the regulation of the PRA in Amapá, Ceará, and Minas Gerais.

The assessment found that 89% of 80 reviewed products were sourced in alignment with the SSC Sourcing Code, and 85% of 52 products with environmental claims adhered to the Labelling Code. While SSC members generally showed high compliance, non-members were more likely to use misleading terminology or lack verifiable sourcing data. The report notes a 15% improvement in the prevalence of misleading claims since 2011, though it recommends better on-pack catch area and method information to help consumers use seafood guides.

The report evaluates the early stages of SDG implementation in the Baltic Sea Region (BSR), analyzing 11 countries: Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Poland, Russia, and Sweden. It finds that while the region performs well in areas like poverty reduction, renewable energy share, and corruption, it struggles significantly with domestic material consumption and energy intensity. Implementation is currently fragmented, with varying institutional responsibilities and a general reliance on existing administrative structures. The report emphasizes a critical need for improved monitoring systems and stronger political leadership at the parliamentary level to ensure the 2030 Agenda is integrated across all government sectors.

The document examines the review of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 (UNSCR 1325), highlighting the 'Global Study' and the resulting UNSCR 2242. It notes a general failure in implementation, particularly regarding sexual violence in conflict, and identifies emerging threats such as the militarization of women's lives due to violent extremism and critical funding shortages caused by shifting donor priorities in Europe and the Nordic countries.

The report finds that while civil society usage of PAIA for strategic advocacy has increased, the performance of information holders has declined, characterized by a high rate of 'deemed refusals' and a lack of affordable appeal mechanisms.

The PAIA Civil Society Network reports that the implementation of the Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA) in South Africa remains hindered by poor records management, inadequate training of information officers, and a lack of responsiveness. Analysis of 111 requests shows that only 34% resulted in a full release of information, and only 21% were responded to within the statutory 30-day timeframe. The report highlights a particular lack of awareness and accountability within the private sector and argues that the absence of an independent Information Commissioner makes legal recourse too expensive for most civil society organisations. Additionally, the report warns that the proposed Protection of Information Bill threatens open governance through broad definitions of 'national interest', severe criminal penalties for releasing classified information, and a lack of independent oversight.