Pacific Islands Forum in Palau: Leaders’ meeting kicks off Monday night in Koror, with unity and outside influence already under strain after Kiribati’s president Taaneti Maamau’s last-minute withdrawal and uncertainty over Naoero (Nauru) president David Adeang’s attendance. Geopolitics and security: The summit agenda is set to be dominated by pressure from major powers, plus transnational crime and the challenge of keeping a common regional voice. Climate and development demands: Palau and other Pacific leaders are expected to press Australia and others for stronger climate action and more support for development priorities. Vanuatu maritime progress: A Port Vila seminar mapped practical next steps for a Maritime Single Window to speed and clarify ship clearance, stressing leadership, coordination, legal settings, and private-sector buy-in. Regional justice cooperation: PNG and Vanuatu public prosecutors signed an MoU in Port Vila to support capacity building and professional exchange, including case assistance. Labour mobility scrutiny: A Port Vila workshop heard Pacific workers’ concerns about PALM welfare support, accommodation rules, and what happens after serious complaints. Vanuatu food security hit: Communities in Eratap and Teouma report heat, drought and cyclones damaging crops and disrupting market supply, threatening livelihoods and fresh produce access. Ambae eruption update: Japan’s weather agency reports no tsunami impact detected after Vanuatu’s Ambae volcanic eruption.