Disaster Preparedness: A Lae field training exercise brought PNG agencies, the PNG Defence Force, Red Cross and partners together with U.S. Coast Guard experts to practice search and extraction, medical response, camp security and oil spill response at Port of Lae and Igam Barracks. Cyclone Recovery Planning: Solomon Islands has begun planning shelter recovery for communities hit by Tropical Cyclone Maila, with assistance for families in Western and Choiseul provinces expected to start next year after costing and eligibility checks. Climate & Finance Cooperation: PNG is among regulators at a regional meeting where the Bank of Papua New Guinea is highlighted for integrating climate risk into supervision and using AI-driven analytics to strengthen financial stability. Electricity Theft Crackdown: PNG Power is rolling out smart meters and monitoring upgrades to tackle electricity theft and reduce a reported ~12% loss rate across the grid. Water Security for Resilience: A new PacFresH2O initiative will strengthen freshwater security and WASH services in Solomon Islands, with support also aimed at PNG through climate-resilient freshwater management. Health & Neglected Disease Control: PNGDF and Australia helped deliver one million yaws treatment tablets to West Sepik to stop spread of the bacterial skin disease. Marine Protection & Illegal Fishing: Operation Island Chief 2026 flagged 16 vessels of interest and apprehended four during regional surveillance across Pacific waters, including PNG participation. PNG LNG Decision Watch: Santos says a final investment decision on the $20b Papua LNG project is expected by year-end, as ramp-ups lift output and community engagement continues.