PNG-Australia Defence Skills: Exercise Wantok Warrior 2026 wrapped up in Townsville, with PNGDF troops training alongside Australia’s 3rd Brigade on small-team tactics, threat response and trench/bunker clearance—another step in interoperability. UNDP Digital Payments: UNDP will move blockchain-based humanitarian payments from pilots to a “standing capability,” including work already underway in Papua New Guinea. Carbon Markets (Regional): Singapore and Indonesia signed a carbon credits MOU, but the real Article 6 rules still need to be agreed. Marine Life Mapping: Scientists used satellite imagery and AI to produce the first high-resolution global seagrass map, showing most seagrass sits near a few countries and much loss happens outside marine protected areas. Fisheries Partnership: PNG’s National Fisheries Authority reaffirmed cooperation with the Parties to the Nauru Agreement on sustainable tuna management and regional value. Jobs vs Service Delivery: The World Bank says weak public service delivery is blocking business hiring, pointing to a big implementation gap in PNG’s regulatory system. Tourism Data Push: PNGTPA and NCDC launched a National Capital District accommodation inventory survey to improve tourism planning and investment. Environment & Land Protection: A call to protect PNG’s environment, cultural heritage and livelihoods warns mining and large-scale oil palm can cause lasting damage without strong safeguards. Biodiversity Alert: A newly described Mount Apo helmet orchid was assessed as critically endangered after researchers found only 10 mature plants at a single site.