UN Diplomacy & Climate: At the UN General Assembly, Malaysia’s foreign minister said middle powers and ASEAN must keep dialogue alive when big powers stall, while Palau’s president warned that rising seas are erasing burial grounds and that small island states must be heard as the “conscience” of a warming world. Payments & Regional Connectivity: Bank Indonesia and Timor-Leste’s central bank (BCTL) signed an MoU to boost payment innovation and explore cross-border QRIS use, as Indonesia also expands cross-border QR payments to help tourists and SMEs. Energy Infrastructure for Timor-Leste: Fugro won new offshore survey contracts for Greater Sunrise TLNG and the Bayu-Undan Pipeline Highway, with geotechnical and metocean work planned to start in early 2027. Elections & Democracy Tech: Australia’s electoral commissioner met Timor-Leste officials to discuss election organization and new risks from disinformation, social media, and AI. Work Opportunities: Australia’s PALM scheme confirmed Timor-Leste among 10 eligible countries for legal work placements. Human Rights Accountability: Indonesia’s human rights commission says serious violations cases remain unresolved, with files still stuck between institutions.