Pacific diplomacy in focus: The Pacific Islands Forum leaders’ meeting in Palau is off to a shaky start, with multiple leaders absent and China warning of “consequences” over Taiwan’s presence. Samoa’s regional tech priorities: Samoa’s Deputy Prime Minister says the country is pushing practical regional cooperation on digital and AI governance, renewable energy, and climate leadership. Security debate: PANG warns proposed regional security deals could lock in militarisation without enough local control or oversight. Climate science push: SINU in Samoa will host the 5th Pacific Ocean Pacific Climate Change Conference, bringing Pacific research to the front line of action. Tuna sustainability in Samoa: MMR staff returned from WCPFC SC22 in Apia, supporting stronger science-to-management for tuna fisheries. Traditional knowledge protection: Samoan traditional healers and government agencies are working on a national framework to safeguard healing knowledge and set clearer referral pathways. Health preparedness: WHO urges Pacific countries to prepare for bird flu as H5N1 spreads in the region. Energy and stability: A Pacific peace-and-security report links fuel shocks and rising costs to wider social and political risk, urging faster renewable transitions. Research partnership: NUS and Massey University renewed their MOU for exchanges and joint research. Local innovation: ZMO launched a simplified crypto and stock futures platform with “1-click” trading.