Education Tech in Samoa: Samoa has launched the Samoa Education Management Information System (SEMIS) to give officials real-time data on students, teachers and schools, aiming to improve planning, accountability and learning outcomes with support from the Pacific Community. Youth in the Driver’s Seat: A UN Common Country Analysis youth consultation in Apia heard calls for better jobs, stronger mental health support, more access to digital tech, and real participation in decisions shaping Samoa’s future. Digital Payments Upgrade (Cook Islands/Samoa): BSP Cook Islands rolled out faster 4G EFTPoS terminals, and says it has upgraded close to 7,000 EFTPoS terminals across PNG, Tonga and Samoa, with more rollouts planned. Ocean Protection Push: UNICEF Pacific Ambassador Moemoana Schwenke urged Pacific Islanders to oppose deep-sea mining, warning it could irreversibly damage ecosystems. Regional Science & Health: Indigenous health experts in Samoa are pushing for greater Pacific participation in precision medicine research so benefits don’t widen existing health gaps. Ocean Conservation (Melanesia): Solomon Islands has joined the Melanesian Ocean Corridor of Reserves (MOCOR), a transboundary marine protected area initiative led by PNG, Vanuatu and Fiji. Government Leadership Moves: Cabinet approved new CEO appointments, including Vaelua Sonny Brown for Samoa Shipping Corporation and Tamaletā Taimang Jensen for the Development Bank of Samoa.