MIL Email Publisher – Foreign Submissions

Flinders University researchers, in partnership with the River Murray and Mallee Aboriginal Corporation, have found evidence that points to 7000 years of Aboriginal mining of stones at Sugarloaf Hill in South Australia’s Riverland.

26 June 2026 – Equinor and its partners have today submitted for public consultation a proposed programme for the environmental impact assessment of a possible Wisting field development in the Barents Sea.

The project is still at an early stage, and further progress will depend on additional improvements to achieve a profitable and viable project.

Wisting is the largest oil discovery on the Norwegian continental shelf yet to be developed, with estimated recoverable volumes of just under 500 million barrels of oil equivalent.

“We have made significant improvements to Wisting since the postponement in 2022, but considerable work remains before we can determine whether there is a basis for a final investment decision. Power from shore has been thoroughly assessed but was ruled out due to technical complexity and high costs. We are now continuing our work on power generation based on an energy-efficient gas turbine solution,” says Trond Bokn, Equinor's senior vice president for project development.

The partnership has selected a floating production and storage vessel (FPSO) for Wisting. As part of the continued work, the project will also assess the potential for carbon capture and storage (CCS), with the aim of reducing CO₂ emissions from production. Such a solution is relevant for Wisting given the size of the power facility and the fact that the installation is being developed as a newbuild.

Further maturation work and sub-studies are now under way in the project. The partnership plans to decide on the final concept selection and possible continuation towards the end of 2026. The solutions must meet requirements for safe and efficient operations in the Barents Sea.

Any continuation of a CCS solution will depend on the necessary technological and regulatory conditions being in place within acceptable cost and time frames, both for the power turbine and for a possible CCS facility. A final investment decision is planned for the end of 2027.

If the project is realised, Wisting will generate substantial revenues for Norwegian society. A development would also create significant ripple effects in the Norwegian supplier industry, both during the development phase and throughout operations:

• The largest and most lasting ripple effects from Wisting will come from around 30 years of operations. Nearly all activity related to operations will take place in Norway and contribute to value creation and jobs in industry nationally and regionally for decades to come.
• Drilling and wells, together with the subsea development, account for around half of the total investment in a Wisting development. The majority of this activity will generate value creation in Norwegian industry.
• Norwegian suppliers will be given an exclusive opportunity to demonstrate competitiveness in the engineering, procurement and construction of the modules for the production vessel on Wisting. In addition, procurement activity will create significant opportunities for the many equipment suppliers in Norway.
• The hull itself cannot be built at Norwegian yards due to size and necessary infrastructure.

The proposed programme for the environmental impact assessment is now being submitted for public consultation as part of the continued maturation of the project. The public consultation period is set at 16 weeks.

More information is available on equinor.com – see the link below.

Licensees in Wisting: *Equinor Energy AS (42,5%), *Aker BP ASA (27,5%), Petoro AS (20%) and INPEX Idemitsu Norge AS (10%).

*After transactions between Equinor and Aker BP, pending government approval.

Facts about Wisting

Wisting (PL 537) was discovered in 2013 in the Hoop area of the Barents Sea
Wisting is located around 310 km north of Hammerfest
Water depth between 390 and 418 metres.

Deir Ez-Zor, Syria, 25 June 2026: One year after Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF) began supporting emergency services at Deir Ez-Zor National Hospital (DNH), hundreds of people injured by explosive ordnance have been treated at the hospital, highlighting the devastating and ongoing impact of contamination left behind by years of conflict.

MSF published a report Explosive Remnants of War – Lasting Harm in Deir Ez-Zor, Syria on the human and health impact of explosive ordnance contamination in Deir Ez-Zor governorate. It highlights the key barriers to accessing timely, comprehensive, and specialized care, as well as the critical role of mine action actors in the governorate. The report draws on MSF and the Directorate of Health (DoH) medical data, covering the period from April 2025 to April 2026, as well as operational observations and interviews with patients, caretakers, and medical professionals involved in the provision of care.

Between April 2025 and April 2026, MSF and DoH teams in the emergency room of Deir Ez-Zor National Hospital treated more than 215 people injured by landmines, unexploded ordnance, and abandoned explosives. Nearly half of the patients were children. During this period, 24 people died from their injuries, and 58 patients underwent traumatic amputations.

Deir Ez-Zor remains one of the areas most heavily contaminated by explosive ordnance in Syria. Civilians are often injured while carrying out daily activities such as farming, herding livestock, collecting truffles, or returning to damaged homes and buildings. Children are particularly at risk while playing outdoors or exploring abandoned buildings. Many survivors travel long and dangerous distances from remote areas to reach emergency care, often without access to ambulances.

“For the year that we’ve been working here, we’ve seen over 215 patients suffering from blast injuries, including children and farmers working their land,” said Rebecca Kerr, MSF project coordinator in Deir Ez-Zor. “Unfortunately, even today, we’re still seeing civilians being impacted by these explosives. Without improved trauma care, rehabilitation services, and clearance of contaminated land, these injuries will continue.”

Despite the high number of trauma survivors and amputees, access to rehabilitation, prosthetics and orthotics, specialized mental health care, and socio-economic support remains severely limited, leaving many patients unable to recover or regain their independence.

Mohammad, a young man from Deir Ez-Zor who lost both legs above the knee after stepping on a landmine while working his land, described how his life has changed: “Before, I worked every day and supported myself. Now I spend most of my time at home, and I depend on my family for almost everything. If I had access to artificial limbs, maybe I could regain part of my life.”

Medical staff at DNH also highlight the economic pressures driving risk-taking behavior. “Some people knowingly enter mined areas to graze their flocks or gather truffles,” said Dr. Waseem Awak, resident doctor in the emergency and orthopedic departments. “In some cases, we treat multiple members of the same family.”

Access to emergency trauma care remains a major challenge across the governorate. Shortages of specialized medical staff, limited equipment, and weak post-discharge services increase the risk of complications and death. “The number of injuries often exceeds the hospital’s capacity,” said Dr. Ammar Al Rajab, head of the DNH orthopedic department. “Post-discharge care is particularly weak, with a critical lack of prosthetics specialists and rehabilitation services.”

MSF calls for an urgent acceleration of mine clearance and explosive ordnance disposal across Deir Ez-Zor as a first and critical step to prevent further civilian harm. This must be accompanied by sustained investment in emergency trauma care — particularly in remote and underserved areas—and comprehensive victim assistance services, including rehabilitation and mental health care. Without a significant scale-up of clearance efforts that matches the extent of contamination, civilians will continue to be injured and killed while carrying out daily activities.

MSF has also witnessed how contamination continues to affect humanitarian operations and access to essential services. Some healthcare facilities, water infrastructure, and residential areas remain contaminated, limiting safe access for communities and humanitarian organizations alike. Mine action activities, including survey, clearance, and risk education, remain essential to reducing civilian harm and enabling humanitarian response and recovery efforts.

Since April 2025, MSF has been supporting the emergency room at DNH in collaboration with the DoH, providing emergency care, laboratory services, infection prevention and control, sterilization, and water and sanitation support. MSF has also supported staff training, established a triage system, improved patient flow, rehabilitated the hospital’s waste management area, and installed new incinerators and an X-ray machine.

MSF reiterates that without urgent action to accelerate the clearance of land contaminated by explosive ordnance and landmines, alongside efforts to address critical gaps in specialized care—including rehabilitation, prosthetics, and mental health services—civilians in Deir Ez-Zor will continue to suffer preventable deaths and life-altering injuries long after the conflict has ended.

Sharing link to the report Explosive Remnants of War – Lasting Harm in Deir Ez-Zor, Syria 202606_SYRIA_DEZ ERW_REP_EN_FINAL_web.pdf

MSF is an international, medical, humanitarian organisation that delivers medical care to people in need, regardless of their origin, religion, or political affiliation.  MSF Australia was established in 1995 and is one of 24 international MSF sections committed to delivering medical humanitarian assistance to people in crisis. Every year more than 120 Australians and New Zealanders go on assignment with Médecins Sans Frontières  working as: doctors, midwives, psychologists, laboratory technicians, human resource/finance coordinators, pharmacists, mental health specialists and logisticians. MSF delivers medical care based on need alone and operates independently of government, religion or economic influence and irrespective of race, religion or gender. For more information visit msf.org.au  

A 200-metre-wide dune landscape could protect Scheveningen by 2100

The Hague, the Netherlands, 25 June 2026 – How can The Hague remain safe, liveable and attractive for future generations as sea levels continue to rise? To provide insights in the choices, the City of The Hague has developed a long-term vision for the city's coastline, looking ahead to the year 2100 and beyond.

By establishing its own perspective on water safety and resilience, The Hague is taking a leading role as a local partner in addressing water safety challenges, while recognising that the national government and regional water authorities remain primarily responsible. This approach helps ensure that local ambitions are embedded in regional and national decision-making. The vision connects water safety and spatial planning and will inform future policies and projects related to water management and the coast.

Alderman Nur Icar (Climate Adaptation) said: “The Hague is the only major city on the Dutch coast. That makes us unique. We can be proud of our diverse coastline, which offers space for recreation, businesses, hospitality, nature, sports and tourism. At the same time, our location by the sea brings challenges. It makes us vulnerable to rising sea levels. That is why it is so important to understand how we can prepare for this together with our partners and residents. This future perspective is the starting point for that conversation.”

City Behind the Dunes

Sea level rise presents significant challenges, particularly in terms of water safety. In The Hague, the Scheveningen coastline is especially vulnerable because there is limited space to raise and widen the existing sea defences. Unlike other parts of the city's coast, such as the Oostduinpark and Westduinpark, there are currently no dunes that can naturally grow along with rising sea levels.

One promising direction is therefore the ‘City Behind the Dunes’ scenario. Under this scenario, a dune landscape approximately 200 metres wide would gradually develop along the Scheveningen coastline by 2100. This would be achieved through sand nourishment and dynamic dune management.

The dune system would be located seaward of the existing boulevard, while the beach itself would gradually move further out towards the sea. In this way, the coastline can adapt sustainably to rising sea levels. The approach would provide flood protection while also creating opportunities for nature, recreation and biodiversity. To preserve Scheveningen Harbour, technical measures such as a storm surge barrier or lock system may eventually be required.

Next steps

The future perspective is not a fixed plan, but a strategic direction that will be further explored in the coming years to assess its feasibility and effectiveness, alongside other possible measures and combinations of solutions.

The vision was developed in collaboration with experts, government partners, residents and other stakeholders, including the Scheveningen Boulevard Entrepreneurs Association (VBS) and the Association of Beach Operators (VVS).

“It is important to explore how Scheveningen and The Hague can continue to exist safely behind the dunes,” said Henk Kool, Chairman of VBS. “For entrepreneurs along the boulevard, maintaining a view of the sea is an important consideration. But doing nothing is simply not an option.”

Martin Wörsdörfer, Chairman of VVS, added:

“The Hague must remain a city by the sea, not a city in the sea. It is good that entrepreneurs are involved and will continue to be involved in shaping the future direction. We want to continue welcoming beach visitors in a safe and hospitable environment.”

To further develop the vision, the Municipality of The Hague will take an active role in intergovernmental cooperation and discussions with water safety partners. Based on ongoing dialogue with stakeholders and the city, a more definitive course of action will be determined at a later stage.

Read the full article on Stories of Purpose: https://storiesofpurpose.thehague.com/impact/how-hague-preparing-future-rising-seas

The Rural Kings men’s soccer team from the Ministry of Rural Development (MRD) started their campaign in the 2026 Inter-Ministry Games with a strong performance, securing a 1-0 victory against the determined Ministry of Public Service (MPS) in their opening match on Tuesday, June 23, at DC Park.

The Rural Kings entered the competition as underdogs but overpowered their rivals to earn their first crucial three points, setting an encouraging tone for the tournament.

Head coach James Blake commended his team for the decisive win.

“The overall performance from our boys was quite good and exceptional.

“Our opponent is a good side, but credit to the boys for keeping the pressure, and we managed to score the winning goal,” he said.

He also noted that fitness, game understanding, and player coordination are areas that need improvement as they prepare for upcoming matches.

“Our level of fitness, style of play, and team size were not in the best position to counter the most determined MPS side. They are a good team, and we appreciate the challenge they provided, which gave our boys a good run on the field,” he added.

“So far, so good. The Rural Kings team is on the right track to kick off our campaign in this year’s Inter-Ministry Games.”  

Fitness training for the Rural Kings is ongoing ahead of their remaining matches.

Other sports that the Ministry of Rural Development (MRD) is participating in include athletics, volleyball, futsal, netball, basketball, and table tennis.  

Organized by the Ministry of Home Affairs, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, under the theme “Healthy Workforce, Healthy Nation,” the 2026 Inter-Ministry Games event aims to provide an opportunity for public servants to compete, interact, and strengthen working relationships beyond the office through a variety of sporting and team-building activities.  

This annual event brings together over 20 government ministries for an exciting showcase of sportsmanship, teamwork, and healthy living.  

The competition is currently underway, following its official opening on Friday, June 12, 2026.

The UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) must take urgent action to condemn the unlawful use of the death penalty for drug-related offences and work with UN member states towards abolishing this cruel punishment once and for all, Amnesty International and Harm Reduction International said ahead of World Drug Day on 26 June.

Drug-related executions have soared in recent years, representing more than 40% of the total number of executions recorded worldwide. In 2025 alone, close to half (1,257 or 46%) of all known executions recorded independently by Amnesty International and Harm Reduction International were for drug-related offences, in five countries: China, Iran, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Singapore. Meanwhile, Algeria, Kuwait, and the Maldives made legislative efforts to expand the scope of the death penalty to include drug-related offences.

Jordan also resumed executions earlier this week, for the first time in nine years, executing six people, while the Prime Minister announced plans to expand the scope of the death penalty to include certain drug-related offences.

“The death penalty is an abhorrent practice with no place in today’s world. As executions for drug-related offences reach shocking levels, the continued silence and inaction from UNODC and the CND is deplorable and leave their stated commitment to human rights empty of meaning,” said Chiara Sangiorgio, Amnesty International’s expert on the death penalty.

“Any use of the death penalty is a violation of human rights. But its use for drug-related offences is prohibited under international law and standards. It is high time that the UN bodies overseeing international drug policy confronted the harms caused by punitive practices and make the abolition of the death penalty a priority worldwide,” said Catherine Cook, Executive Director of Harm Reduction International.

Every year, the launch of the World Drug Report on 26 June provides a public platform for the UN Office on Drugs and Crime to condemn the use of the death penalty specifically as a tool of drug control, and to recommend specific measures that retentionist countries can adopt to bring domestic drug policies in line with international law and standards, as a first step. To date, it’s been falling short.

In a public statement, Amnesty International, Harm Reduction International and 61other organizations, are calling for several concrete and immediate actions from UNODC, including for the World Drug Report to include a specific chapter on human rights, updated information on the use of the death penalty for drug-related offences, and an explicit commitment to promote the abolition of the death penalty in the new UNODC strategy.  (ref. https://www.amnesty.org/en/documents/act50/1196/2026/en/ )

“The death penalty for drug related offences is unlawful, arbitrary and discriminatory, and it must be tackled head on. As the main UN body overseeing drug control, UNODC can and should play a critical role in turning the tide of executions,” said Chiara Sangiorgio. “Our message today is clear – the world is watching, and we will not stop demanding action until the world is free from the shadows of the gallows.”

24 June 2026 – The risk of algal blooms is rising around Australia, with a new national study warning that stronger community preparedness is urgently needed for coastal disasters.

A survey of more than 1000 people reveals significant gaps in public awareness of risks such as algal blooms, leaving communities exposed, according to research led by Flinders University and Australian National University academics.

The findings, set to be published in Coastal Futures (online in preprint), draw on feedback from all states and territories about public awareness of events such as algal blooms, which are driven by climate change, pollution and environmental pressures.

“Despite this growing threat, our research shows community understanding of these events and other extreme weather events, and how best to respond to them, remains strikingly limited,” says Associate Professor in Public Health Jacqueline Stephens, who is also a researcher in emergency disaster management at Flinders University.

“While we don’t have a clear understanding of when large-scale events may occur, or the likely scale of the impact, we have a real opportunity to strengthen community preparedness and resilience with targeted education and awareness.”

Researchers emphasise that increasing public knowledge is a critical first step, not only for building community resilience and protecting public health, but also for building informed support for climate change mitigation and adaptation.

Importantly, the research points to a strong public expectation that governments should take primary responsibility for managing such risks. However, recent disaster experiences in South Australia demonstrate the powerful role of communities.

The research, driven by SA volunteers working in the Algal Bloom Shed, was sparked by the widespread algal bloom (HAB) which has hit coastal environments and businesses over the past year.

“Australia has a long history of effective community-led responses – from volunteer fire services to surf lifesaving,” says ANU Associate Professor Amy McLennan, corresponding author on the latest study.

“These community-led organisations are a major asset to Australia, and we may need new ones to address emerging disasters like HABs. Improved awareness of what’s on the horizon is an important step.”

The pre-print study, currently under review, shows that public awareness is low and there is little coordinated effort to prepare communities for the impacts, despite HABs posing a risk to human health, marine ecosystems and local economies.

Osnabrueck / Tokyo, June 24, 2026. Hellmann Worldwide Logistics marks the 20th anniversary of its operations in Japan, highlighting its continued presence in a strategically important global logistics market.

Since opening the first office in Japan in 2006, Hellmann has established a focused local presence and gradually developed its service offering to support customers across selected industries, including automotive, fashion, healthcare, and technology. Today, the company provides core logistics services such as airfreight, seafreight, customs brokerage, and selected specialized solutions. With offices in Tokyo and Osaka, Hellmann Japan supports domestic and international customers through tailored logistics services and integration into its global network.

Within its global strategy “Forward2030”, Asia-Pacific (APAC) has been identified as a key growth region, with Japan representing a stable and important market environment. Against this backdrop, Hellmann will continue to develop its activities in Japan in line with customer needs and market opportunities.

“APAC is an important region within our global strategy “Forward2030″ and Japan contributes to this as a mature and innovative market with strong connections to global supply chains. Going forward, we will continue to invest in the region and expand our capabilities to support our customers' growth with integrated, sustainable logistics solutions,” said Jens Drewes, CEO, Hellmann Worldwide Logistics.

“Over the past years, we have grown our APAC presence by broadening our footprint, strengthening local teams, and building more connected solutions for customers across the region. Japan is part of this development: with our teams in Tokyo and Osaka, we have established a strong local foundation that combines market expertise with the reach of our regional and global network. We will build on this momentum and continue to strengthen Japan's role within our broader APAC growth journey,” said Sven Raudszus, Regional CEO APAC, Hellmann Worldwide Logistics.

About Hellmann
Hellmann Worldwide Logistics is a global logistics service provider with a comprehensive service portfolio that includes air- and seafreight, road and rail transport, and contract logistics. With annual revenue of EUR 3.7 bn and more than 12,000 employees in 62 countries, Hellmann moves around 21 mio shipments annually. Based on this broad product range and many years of experience, Hellmann offers innovative logistics solutions for the complex requirements of each individual customer and relies on visionary technical products to ensure maximum customer transparency while creating a more efficient supply chain.