Right to Information: NEFC joined DICT, Transparency International PNG, and EU-funded partners to validate Papua New Guinea’s National Right to Information policy, aiming to strengthen access and accountability. Genomics & Health: A Yale-led Science study on Oceania genomes links Denisovan DNA to immune and body-development traits, including variants affecting interferon-gamma pathways—relevant for PNG’s long-understudied genetic diversity. Connectivity for Schools: Starlink has arrived at Kerema Coronation Secondary School in Gulf Province, with installation support from PNG GAQ and donors, giving teachers and students fast internet for learning and digital innovation. Digital Governance: The Bilum Digital Platform is being pushed to make Service Improvement Programme spending traceable in real time, improving oversight and transparency across electorates. AI Skills Pipeline: DICT and ITI signed a five-year MoU to grow AI and digital skills through curriculum updates, internships, corporate training, and AI use cases aligned to PNG’s digital transformation. Education Tech: IEA PNG marks 50 years and highlights digital learning and responsible AI use in classrooms, with a focus on student safety and digital etiquette. Energy Exploration: PNG’s Mailu-1 ultra-deepwater well is set to move ahead offshore between Central and Milne Bay, following provincial consultations on timelines, safeguards, and community engagement. Disaster & Food Security: Volcanic pumice rafts from a Bismarck Sea eruption are blocking boats and damaging fishing around Manus, raising fears of food shortages and disrupting transport. Maritime Sovereignty: Oro Governor Gary Juffa calls for stronger protection of PNG’s ocean, warning that deep-sea mining could repeat costly failures like Solwara One.