5G Spectrum Unlock: Papua New Guinea’s regulator NICTA has cleared the 2.6 GHz and 3.5 GHz bands for licensing, paving the way for 4G/5G rollout starting with urban areas and commitments from Vodafone PNG to expand service in the National Capital District and beyond. Climate-Resilient Reefs: Pacific leaders, including Palau and other Forum members, are backing a global commitment to protect climate-resilient coral reefs, ahead of Pre-COP31 and COP31, as reefs face both climate and local pressures. Climate Finance Push: Prime Minister James Marape says PNG strongly supports the Green Climate Fund, highlighting approved funding including a major REDD+ results payment tied to verified emissions reductions from deforestation and forest degradation. El Niño Watch: New reporting warns El Niño is strengthening and could bring major heat and rainfall swings across the region, with PNG and nearby areas already seeing shifts in cloud and rainfall patterns. Ocean Governance at the Forum: Pacific Islands Forum leaders in Palau tightened positions on ocean sovereignty, fisheries, deep-sea minerals and marine pollution, calling for coordinated action as sea-level rise and illegal fishing strain resources. Corruption & Justice: PNG’s Law Society stresses that tackling corruption and financial crime needs a competent, ethical legal profession and ongoing continuing education.