Digital Payments & Stablecoins: Circle Foundation is working with UNDP and WFP to speed up and make aid payments more transparent, using a new Digital Asset Innovation Pool for regulated payment stablecoins and governance/risk tools for rollout. Resource Rights & Governance: Oro Governor Garry Juffa warns PNG and Solomon Islands that outdated colonial resource laws let foreign “criminal cartels” benefit, arguing landowners must regain real control beneath customary land. Elections Oversight: PNG Electoral Commission suspends two senior officers over serious administrative and financial irregularities, raising concerns about election planning with writs due in April. Banking Skills Pipeline: Westpac Pacific launches its “Future Banker” program for emerging banking professionals in Fiji and PNG, aiming to build customer-focused capability over six months. Mining Deal in PNG: Lingbao Gold agrees to buy St Barbara’s remaining interest to take full ownership of the New Simberi operation, with completion targeted for March 2027. Maritime Safety Push: PNG’s maritime sector is urged to move from policy to practice on safety, skills and standards as World Maritime Day highlights implementation gaps. Consumer Protection Draft: ICCC discusses a proposed Competition and Consumer Protection Bill 2026 to close loopholes and strengthen fair trading and consumer safeguards. Climate Action at UNGA: PNG and Solomon Islands leaders demand industrial nations cut emissions now, framing sea-level rise as an immediate security and economic crisis. Agriculture Research Focus: Agriculture Secretary Dr Sergei Bang says PNG must shift research from knowledge to results for farmers, jobs and nutrition, not just reports.