Middle East Diplomacy: Gulf states and the EU reaffirmed support for a comprehensive political solution in Syria under UN Security Council Resolution 2254, backing a “step by step” UN-led process. Gaza Negotiations: The UAE and other Muslim-majority governments accused Israel of undermining a Gaza peace plan, while Netanyahu rejected Trump’s 15-point proposal, insisting Hamas must be fully disarmed before any Israeli withdrawal. Regional Security: Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye’s “Makkah Joint Defence Agreement” is being framed as defensive and open to other regional partners, with officials stressing collective security and deterrence. AI Governance & Society: Bihar’s education minister said AI should support—not replace—teachers, while China’s tightened rules on AI companions left users grieving after major platforms shut services. Climate & Disasters: Western Europe set new heat records amid ongoing heatwaves; Canada’s British Columbia wildfire crisis continues with evacuations and international firefighting support. Public Administration & Services: Pakistan’s Punjab launched a crackdown on illegal Afghan residents and ordered faster airport immigration processing; NSW appointed a new WaterNSW board chair and launched a women-owned business procurement certification pilot. Development & Trade: Malaysia announced Maritime Week 2026 to convene global maritime policymakers and industry; Thailand moved to apply natural capital accounting with World Bank support. Security & Conflict in Pakistan: Balochistan saw two coal miners killed in separate incidents, and security forces reported killing 15 “India-backed” terrorists in operations. Health & Ethics: Saudi Arabia highlighted its UNESCO AI ethics forum role, positioning the country as a global convenor on responsible AI.