Digital & AI Governance: Samoa’s Deputy Prime Minister pushed for stronger regional cooperation on digital and AI governance, with a focus on protecting children and older people online, boosting data privacy, and building digital resilience. Climate Finance: The Green Climate Fund says it has doubled Pacific commitments to about US$1b and may approve another US$1b, but rising demand is straining resources as Pacific states ask for faster, simpler access to funds. Pacific-Led Research: Solomon Islands will host the 5th Pacific Ocean Pacific Climate Change Conference at SINU (Sept 14–18), with universities across the region—including the National University of Samoa—helping drive climate science and action. Traditional Knowledge Protection: Samoa’s traditional healers are working with government agencies to create a national framework to safeguard healing knowledge, including clearer referral pathways between doctors and traditional healers. Health Watch: Hawaii wastewater tested positive for dengue virus, and officials note higher-than-usual dengue reporting across several Pacific countries, including Samoa. Marine Tech & Data: MMR staff returned from WCPFC SC22 in Apia, highlighting use of emerging technologies and stronger science-to-management for sustainable tuna fisheries. Regional Security Debate: PANG warned Pacific leaders against two proposed security compacts, arguing they could lock in militarisation without enough political control or public oversight. Tech in Culture: An AI-assisted “Born from Culture” video trend is spreading, with filmmaker James Fenwick credited for versions including Samoa.