The objective of this brief communication is to start a conversation about the critical role that institutions play in sustainable development and how each of us as can assist with the development and nurturing of institutions. Our goal is to nurture equitable and sustainable economic and social development. There is so much to be done, especially when change triggers violence and tension among those who feel threatened by progress. Cyrus Institute of Knowledge (CIK) offers positive and constructive alternatives to such horrific and counterproductive responses. CIK is an educational and scientific secular and nonpartisan institute, dedicated to peace, cooperation, harmony, and nonviolence. CIK’s mission and values are shown in the banners put up in this conference. While here I touch upon a few issues, there are interesting papers in the conference which will analyze many issues in-depth.