Sustainable Development Goals: The UN’s Sustainable Development Report 2026 warns fewer than one in five SDG targets are on track, with conflict, climate shocks and geopolitics dragging progress. Global Health: The World Health Assembly highlighted Maldives’ achievement in eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV, HBV and syphilis, while continuing talks on the WHO Pandemic Agreement’s Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing system. Maldives Tech & Mobility: The Maldives plans to deploy up to 100 electric hydrofoil boats via the Navier Network, aiming for faster, quieter island transfers with Starlink onboard connectivity. Maldives Digital Payments: PayPal’s entry is expected to open the door for more international payment gateways, as the government pushes its “Maldives 2.0” digital economy goals. Maldives Policy: Proposed amendments would cut Maldives cigarette import duty from MVR 8 to MVR 4 per cigarette and fully exempt nicotine replacement products to support cessation. Climate Mobility: Maldives Vice President Uz Hussain Latheef urged practical climate mobility solutions and stronger resilience planning at the Berlin Climate Mobility Forum. Water Tech: Flocean says it has reached “first water,” producing freshwater at full capacity from an industrial-scale subsea desalination system, with Maldives-linked partnerships mentioned. Marine Science: A study finds abandoned fish aggregating devices can damage coral reefs inside marine protected areas, raising new pressure for safer tuna fishing. Tourism Tech: A new resort in Antigua is rolling out “invisible technology” like AI concierge and robot delivery, showing how AI is moving into hospitality operations.