Digital Economy & Policy: Lebanon signed the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO) charter and launched the Lebanon Digital Prosperity Plan, aiming to turn digital priorities into measurable projects across policy, infrastructure, AI, skills, entrepreneurship, and investment. Development Finance: The IFC named Thomas Jacobs as Division Director for the Levant, Iraq and Yemen, with priorities including private-sector participation, infrastructure gaps, water security, MSME finance, digitalisation, and support for women and youth—covering Lebanon among other markets. Payments & Inclusion: Thunes expanded cross-border payouts across six Middle East markets, adding Lebanon to its network for faster, local-currency payouts to bank accounts, wallets, and cash pickup points. Regional Trade & Energy Pressure: Gulf states postponed key Hormuz talks with Iran as Yemen’s Houthis tighten control around Bab el-Mandeb, while Saudi oil infrastructure faces renewed strain—pushing oil prices higher and raising shipping and supply risks. BRICS & Global Order: Coverage highlights the New Delhi Declaration and BRICS’ shift toward resilience and cooperation, with Iran pressing for trade in national currencies and a stronger role for BRICS in upholding non-use of force. Lebanon Governance & Costs: A debate continues over Lebanon’s solid waste management law and the National Solid Waste Management Authority, with the sector’s political and profit incentives still a sticking point.