AGP Executive Report

Climate Diplomacy: Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr. says rising seas have erased two-thirds of Helen Island, but island nations won’t “give up,” using UN General Assembly platforms as a moral push to stop carbon pollution. Oil & Community Impacts: Alegria fishers are facing uncertainty as oil operations revive, raising fresh questions about livelihoods and local environmental risks. Transboundary Haze Policy: Malaysia cancelled a major marathon due to unhealthy haze and is weighing new legislation to tackle cross-border smoke, with Timor-Leste noted as supporting regional haze efforts. Marine & Energy Data for Timor-Leste: Fugro won new geotechnical and metocean survey contracts supporting Greater Sunrise pipeline routes and Bayu-Undan work, with field work planned to start in early 2027 to better map seabed conditions. UN Engagement & Climate Debt: Timor-Leste leaders pressed the UN on peace and climate debt, keeping climate justice in the spotlight. Wildlife Conservation: A new study highlights how sharks and rays cross borders, arguing conservation must follow their migrations.

Transboundary haze crackdown: Malaysia cancelled the Kuching Marathon as smoke from Indonesia’s Kalimantan and Sumatra fires pushed air pollution to unhealthy levels, while Malaysia also moves toward a special law to tackle haze across borders—an issue ASEAN says Timor-Leste has backed in regional talks. Deepwater seabed surveys for Greater Sunrise: Fugro won new geotechnical and metocean contracts for Timor-Leste’s Greater Sunrise and Bayu-Undan pipeline route planning, with field work set to start in early 2027 to map seabed and subsurface conditions for safer engineering. Climate diplomacy at UNGA: Timor-Leste President José Ramos-Horta used the UN General Assembly to press for sustainable development and climate-focused multilateral cooperation, while the UN chief urged governments to adopt fossil-fuel transition plans with clear timelines. Marine conservation partnerships: WWF-Philippines renewed its long-running partnership with Costa del Hamilo to strengthen marine conservation and monitoring at Hamilo Coast, supporting science-based management of marine protected areas.

Transboundary Haze Policy: Malaysia cancelled the Kuching Marathon as unhealthy air pollutant levels from Indonesia’s forest and peat fires kept blanketing Southeast Asia, while Malaysia also moves toward new haze rules and a special committee to study legal options like Singapore’s Transboundary Haze Pollution Act. Regional Climate Diplomacy: Timor-Leste’s President José Ramos-Horta backed a two-state solution at the UN, while UN leaders pushed fossil-fuel phaseout plans with timelines—signals that climate and peace diplomacy are being tied together at the global stage. Offshore Energy & Environment: Fugro won new geotechnical and metocean survey contracts for Timor-Leste’s Greater Sunrise and Bayu-Undan pipeline routes, with fieldwork planned to start in 2027 to better map seabed conditions in deep waters. Biodiversity & Conservation: A new study highlights how sharks and rays cross borders during long migrations, underscoring that conservation needs to travel with wildlife, not stop at national lines. UNGA & Sustainable Development: UN General Debate coverage included climate and development priorities, with Timor-Leste featuring in multilateral cooperation discussions.

Transboundary Haze: Malaysia’s push for a science-diplomacy approach and a haze fund at ASEAN meetings in Bali got support from Indonesia, Brunei, Singapore, Thailand and Timor-Leste, as Malaysia and others urge stronger cross-border action; the environment ministry is now studying Singapore’s Transboundary Haze Pollution Act model and plans a special committee to draft a Timor-Leste-specific law. Climate & Disaster Risk: The government is also considering a special law to tackle transboundary haze, while weather updates show regional storm conditions are being monitored closely, with rains still expected from broader atmospheric patterns. Marine & Energy Environment: Fugro won new geotechnical and metocean contracts for Timor-Leste’s Greater Sunrise and Bayu-Undan pipeline corridors, with seabed and subsurface surveys planned to start in early 2027—work that can shape safer routing and reduce environmental and engineering risks in deep waters. Wildlife Conservation: A new study highlights how sharks and rays cross borders during migrations, underscoring why conservation needs regional coordination, not just national protection. UN Climate Push: UN chief António Guterres urged governments to adopt fossil-fuel transition plans with clear timelines and protections for workers and communities, feeding into wider climate-debt and sustainable development debates where Timor-Leste is active.

Deepwater Energy Footprint: Fugro is set to survey seabed and metocean conditions for Greater Sunrise pipeline routes to Timor-Leste, with geophysical work in late 2026 and six-month geotechnical plus 12-month ocean-condition field work starting early 2027—aimed at safer route selection in the ultra-deep Timor Trough. Climate Diplomacy: Timor-Leste President José Ramos-Horta backed a two-state solution at the UN, while UN leaders pushed for fossil-fuel transition plans with timelines—an echo of the climate justice debate also raised by other countries at UNGA. Regional Energy Education: SPE Western Australia and Australian Energy Producers held a second joint seminar at UNTL’s Hera campus, focusing on the energy transition and drawing 300+ students from Dili and Hera. Biodiversity & Wildlife Awareness: A new study highlights how sharks and rays cross borders during long migrations, underscoring why conservation needs regional coordination. Loss-and-Damage Pressure: Nepal is seeking $20m from the UN Loss and Damage Fund after deadly floods and landslides, arguing “sympathy alone will not work” without justice. Marine Conservation Partnerships: WWF-Philippines renewed its long-running partnership with Costa del Hamilo to strengthen marine protection, monitoring, and science-based management of coastal ecosystems.

Climate Diplomacy: Timor-Leste President José Ramos-Horta backed a two-state solution at the UN, warning that “numbness is not neutral” and criticizing global spending priorities that favor “forms of death” over basic needs. Fossil Fuels & Energy Security: UN chief António Guterres urged every government to adopt national plans to transition away from fossil fuels with clear timelines and support for workers and communities, as climate shocks and rising prices threaten energy and human security. Climate Reality Check: The UN says the world is set to overshoot the 1.5°C goal even if pledges are met, raising risks like heat waves, floods, glacier melt, sea-level rise, and coral bleaching. Marine Life & Borders: A new study highlights how sharks and rays cross national waters, stressing that conservation must follow them across borders. Timor-Leste Energy Education: SPE Western Australia and Australian Energy Producers held a second joint seminar at UNTL’s Hera campus, focusing on the energy transition for students in Dili. UNGA Spotlight: UN General Debate coverage ranged from climate change and AI to food insecurity and UN reform, reflecting how global environmental risks are now tied to security and development.

Sustainable Forestry & Trade: The Global Legal & Sustainable Timber Forum (GLSTF 2026) wrapped up in Macau with new cooperation steps, an “Action Framework 2026” for legal timber supply chains, and upgrades to the Global Timber Index plus a blockchain timber traceability platform. Energy Education in Timor-Leste: SPE Western Australia and Australian Energy Producers extended their partnership, holding a second seminar at UNTL’s Hera Engineering Campus for 300+ students on the energy transition and net-zero pathways. UN Climate Push: UN chief António Guterres urged governments to adopt fossil-fuel phaseout plans with clear timelines and support for workers and communities, warning that climate shocks and energy insecurity are rising. Timor-Leste at UNGA Side Events: Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus highlighted social business, youth entrepreneurship and technology as tools for Sustainable Development Goals, with Timor-Leste President José Ramos-Horta attending. ASEAN Biodiversity Planning: ASEAN environment leaders launched a 10-year plan to strengthen the region’s Heritage Parks network, aiming to protect ecosystems and biodiversity with community-focused funding. Disaster Management Cooperation: Taiwan launched a new World Alliance for Disaster Management to link governments and emergency agencies for joint training, exercises, and information sharing.

Climate Reality Check: The UN says the world is set to overshoot the 1.5°C warming limit, even if current pledges are met—raising risks of heat waves, floods, sea-level rise and coral bleaching. Fossil Fuel Pushback: UN chief António Guterres urged governments to adopt national fossil-fuel phaseout plans with clear timelines and support for workers and communities. Loss & Damage Finance: Nepal is seeking $20 million from the UN Loss and Damage Fund after deadly floods and landslides, framing the demand as climate justice—not sympathy. Regional Nature Protection: ASEAN environment leaders launched a 10-year plan to strengthen Heritage Parks across the region, including Timor-Leste, with capacity-building and small grants for biodiversity and community livelihoods. Water & Resilience: Davao City reports more reliable treated water is helping small businesses keep operating—an everyday example of why resilient services matter. Green Trade & Connectivity: The China-ASEAN Expo highlights “green development” and sustainability, while a new river-to-sea canal is pitched as cutting logistics costs and boosting trade.

Fossil Fuel Phaseout Push: UN chief António Guterres urged every government to adopt national fossil-fuel transition plans with clear timelines, plus protection for affected workers and communities, warning that oil price spikes and climate shocks threaten energy and human security. Climate Justice After Disaster: Nepal is seeking about $20 million from the UN Loss and Damage Fund after August floods and landslides killed over 1,400 people, with officials stressing “justice” over sympathy. Heat Beyond 1.5°C Warning: A new UN report says the world is set to overshoot the 1.5°C warming goal even if pledges are met, raising risks of more extreme weather, sea-level rise, and ecosystem damage. Disaster Readiness in the Region: Taiwan launched a World Alliance for Disaster Management to link governments and emergency agencies for joint training, exercises, early warning, and mutual assistance. Water and Resilience for Business: Davao City’s expanded treated-water supply is helping small enterprises keep operating, showing how reliable water supports local livelihoods. Timor-Leste in ASEAN Trade: Timor-Leste joined as a co-organizer at the China-ASEAN Expo, where green development and sustainability are highlighted alongside regional business growth.

Climate Warning: The UN says the world is set to overshoot the 1.5°C warming goal, even if current pledges are met—raising risks of heat waves, floods, sea-level rise and coral bleaching. Renewables for Timor-Leste: A major solar-plus-battery project is moving ahead in Timor-Leste with an 85.7 million US dollar financing package, aiming to cut reliance on imported diesel and boost clean power. Regional Trade & Green Tech: At the China-ASEAN Expo, officials pushed CAFTA 3.0 with a stronger focus on green technology, sustainability and digital trade—while Timor-Leste joins as a co-organizer. Food Security & Resilience: A global push argues food security now depends on climate resilience, reliable trade routes and sustainable water management, not just farming output. Disaster Preparedness: Taiwan launched a World Alliance for Disaster Management to link early warning, training and cross-border response. Water & Health: The Maldives highlighted a digital primary health care model that helped it meet UN targets on cutting premature deaths from non-communicable diseases.

Climate Warning: The UN says the world is set to overshoot the 1.5°C warming goal, with even full climate pledges still pointing to at least 1.8°C—raising risks of heat waves, floods, sea-level rise and coral bleaching. Renewables for Timor-Leste: A major solar-plus-battery project in Timor-Leste is moving forward, aiming to cut reliance on imported diesel and support the country’s push toward more renewable power. Regional Trade & Green Tech: ASEAN economic ministers met in Manila to deepen integration and resilience, while China-ASEAN talks in Nanning highlighted cooperation on green technology and sustainability. Water & Local Livelihoods: In Davao City, reliable treated water is helping small businesses keep running—an example of how basic services support communities. Disaster Readiness: Taiwan launched a new disaster management alliance to boost joint training, early warning and cross-border response. Humanitarian Arms: Laos adopted new cluster munitions review documents in Vientiane, setting a roadmap through 2031. Health & Prevention: The Maldives reported early progress on cutting premature deaths from non-communicable diseases through digital-focused primary care. Tourism Pressure: A “Not Hot List” for 2027 promotes less-visited destinations like Dili to reduce overcrowding and wildlife harm.

Climate Risk Watch: The UN warns the world is set to overshoot the 1.5°C warming goal, even if all pledges are met—raising odds of heat waves, floods, sea-level rise and coral bleaching, with leaders urged to cut fossil fuels and methane and protect forests and oceans. Renewables for Timor-Leste: A major solar + battery storage deal is moving ahead in Timor-Leste, backed by IFC/ADB/JICA financing, aiming to cut reliance on imported diesel and boost clean power for households. Trade + Green Tech: At the China-ASEAN Expo in Nanning, Timor-Leste is joining as a co-organizer as talks push CAFTA 3.0, with a stronger focus on green technology, sustainability and trade facilitation. Regional Investment Rules: ASEAN and Hong Kong signed a protocol to amend their investment agreement, promising non-discriminatory treatment across 10 ASEAN states—legal certainty that could shape future flows, including for Timor-Leste as ASEAN procedures progress. Water & Business Resilience: In Davao City, expanded treated water access is helping small businesses keep running—an example of how reliable utilities support local livelihoods.

Renewables for Timor-Leste: Ashurst Perkins Coie-backed IFC, ADB and JICA financing is set to deliver Timor-Leste’s first utility-scale solar plus battery storage project—73.7MW solar with 80.2MWh storage—aimed at cutting reliance on imported diesel and boosting clean power for EDTL under a 25-year deal. Climate reality check: A UN report warns the world is set to overshoot 1.5°C even if pledges are met, raising risks for heat waves, floods, sea-level rise and coral bleaching—an urgent signal for small island states like Timor-Leste. Green trade push in the region: At the China-ASEAN Expo in Nanning, Timor-Leste joined as a co-organizer as talks highlighted green technology and sustainability alongside trade facilitation. Water and resilience for livelihoods: Reliable treated water is helping small businesses in Davao City keep services running—an example of why water security matters for everyday economic resilience. Regional climate finance gap: Singapore’s MAS says adaptation needs clearer investment “language” so private capital can scale resilience projects across Asia.

Climate Warning: The UN says the world is set to overshoot the 1.5°C warming goal, even if pledges are met—raising risks of heat waves, floods, sea-level rise and coral bleaching. Climate Justice & Disasters: Religious leaders in the Asia-Pacific held an interfaith prayer for Nepal after deadly floods and landslides, linking the tragedy to a wider ecological crisis in the “Third Pole” Himalayas. Adaptation Finance: Singapore’s monetary authority argues climate adaptation needs its own investment “language” so private capital can scale resilience projects. Renewables for Timor-Leste: A major solar-plus-battery project in Timor-Leste—Timor-Leste’s first utility-scale solar and battery storage and first IPP—aims to cut reliance on imported diesel. Sustainable Trade & Investment: Timor-Leste’s ASEAN integration is framed as a chance to attract quality investment and build local capacity, including better customs, standards and digital trade. Water & Livelihoods: In Davao City, reliable treated water is helping small businesses keep running—an example of how basic services support local economies. Tourism Pressure: A travel report highlights growing demand to avoid overcrowded places and harm to wildlife, while Timor-Leste’s Dili is listed among “Not Hot” destinations for 2027.

Climate Warning: The UN says the world is already set to overshoot the 1.5°C warming limit, with even full climate pledges still pointing to at least 1.8°C—raising risks of heat waves, floods, sea-level rise and coral bleaching. Renewables for Timor-Leste: A major US$85.7m deal backs Timor-Leste’s first utility-scale solar plus battery storage project, aimed at cutting reliance on imported diesel and boosting clean power for EDTL under a long-term power purchase agreement. Pacific Resilience: UN DESA urges Pacific small island states to expand social protection to better handle climate disasters and economic shocks, noting coverage gaps leave many households highly vulnerable. Climate Finance Push: Singapore’s monetary authority says adaptation and resilience need clearer “investment language” so private capital can scale up resilience projects across Asia. Tourism & Wildlife: A new travel report finds many people want to avoid overcrowded destinations and activities that harm wildlife or exploit communities—while a “Not Hot List” includes Dili, Timor-Leste, as a lesser-visited option.

Renewables for Timor-Leste: Ashurst Perkins Coie-backed financing has enabled Timor-Leste’s first utility-scale solar plus battery storage project (73.7MW solar, 80.2MWh batteries), aiming to cut reliance on imported diesel and boost renewable power under a 25-year deal with EDTL. Climate justice after disasters: Religious leaders and environmental groups held an interfaith prayer for Nepal after Himalayan floods and landslides, linking the tragedy to a wider ecological crisis driven by glacier retreat and rising instability. Resilience funding gap in the Pacific: A UN DESA policy brief says Pacific SIDS need stronger social protection to handle climate shocks and price volatility, noting coverage is high in some places but below 30% in several others. Cluster munitions and UXO risk: Lao PDR wrapped up the 3rd Review Conference on the Convention on Cluster Munitions, adopting a 2027–2031 action plan that includes environmental and climate considerations, while also pushing for faster UXO clearance and survivor support. Trade with a green angle: Timor-Leste’s participation as ASEAN’s newest member is highlighted at the China-ASEAN Expo and Business Summit, with focus on digital trade, green development, and supply-chain resilience. Water and livelihoods: In Davao City, reliable treated water is helping small businesses keep running, underscoring how basic services shape local economic resilience. Tourism pressure and alternatives: Intrepid’s 2027 “Not Hot List” includes Dili, pitching lesser-visited destinations as a way to spread tourism benefits while reducing harm to wildlife and communities.