Pacific Islands Forum in Palau: Leaders head to the 55th Pacific Islands Forum meeting (Aug 30–Sept 4) in Palau, with big questions on whether island nations can keep a common voice as China, the US and partners compete over Taiwan, ocean minerals and defense ties—while still turning attention into climate protection and control of resources. Climate action push: Cook Islands PM Mark Brown says the region must move from pledges to deliverables, with climate resilience and cooperation central to security. Climate mobility funding: New Zealand-backed Pacific Climate Mobility Partnerships (NZ$17.9m) was launched to help Pacific islands plan people-centred responses to climate-driven displacement, with partners including IOM, PIFS and SPREP. Blue Corridors ocean protection: A call to protect the Pacific’s “Blue Corridors” urges connected marine protection across borders and the high seas, so whales, sharks and other species aren’t blocked by isolated protected areas. Niue WWI memorials: Thirty-nine headstones were delivered to Niue for First World War servicemen, to be installed across villages—marking the sacrifice of about 150 Niuean volunteers (around 4% of the population at the time).