Pacific Islands Forum in Palau: Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr. took the chair and told partners the Pacific sets its own agenda—“partners are welcome to sail with us, but they do not choose our destination”—as leaders push for unity and practical action. US Pacific push: Deputy Secretary Christopher Landau announced over $150m in new US support, including a proposed $60m regional energy security plan (fuel storage and grid stability), $17m to fight illegal fishing, $50m for a Penrhyn Atoll port upgrade in the Cook Islands, plus Palau health and water testing work and tech cooperation with Taiwan. Climate alarm: UNEP says the world will miss the 1.5°C goal and warns Pacific food and water security will worsen—tuna shifting east, fishing licence losses, and more saltwater impacts—while the Green Climate Fund chief urged faster climate finance response after Nepal floods and European wildfires. Food and water crisis: Scientists warned rising seas and warming could trigger major shortages, with coastal fishers facing steep catch declines. Taiwan-China tension: Taiwan rejected claims of “checkbook diplomacy” and defended its participation; China warned of “consequences,” while Palau reaffirmed support for Taiwan amid the standoff. Nuclear survivors’ message: A Hidankyo member said there is “no means of providing relief” if nuclear weapons are used, urging stronger victim support and environmental restoration. Marshall Islands angle: An accident investigation report covered an enclosed-space entry fatality on the AVRA.