UN Changemakers: Timor-Leste President José Ramos-Horta was among leaders honoured at the 2026 Changemakers Awards at the UN General Assembly, while UAE envoy Badr Jafar received the award for driving sustainable development through business and philanthropy. Clean Water for Timor-Leste: Jesuit Mission Australia’s Clean Water Project is bringing safe, reliable water to nearly 1,800 people in rural communities like Busadau, cutting hours of unsafe water collection and helping children stay in school. Digital Payments: Bank Indonesia and Timor-Leste’s central bank (BCTL) signed a MoU to explore cross-border QRIS payments, aiming to improve connectivity and make transactions more convenient and secure. Energy & Infrastructure: Fugro won new geotechnical and metocean survey work supporting Timor-Leste’s Greater Sunrise and Bayu-Undan pipeline route planning, with field work set to start in 2027. Elections & Democracy Tech: Australia’s Electoral Commissioner Jeff Pope met Timor-Leste officials to discuss election organisation and new risks from disinformation, social media, and AI. Sports & Community: Intrepid’s 2027 Not Hot List includes Dili, and Pacific Partnership 2026 reservists are supporting humanitarian and disaster-preparedness work in Timor-Leste.