Pacific Islands Forum in Palau: Leaders are arriving in Koror for the 55th Pacific Islands Forum, with a packed agenda on climate resilience, ocean stewardship, energy security, and tackling transnational drug crime—though the meeting is already off to a rocky start. Regional unity concerns: Several top leaders are missing, including Kiribati President Taneti Maamau (represented by a senior official), plus Solomon Islands Prime Minister Matthew Wale returning home amid a leadership challenge; officials say the pullouts are being managed, but the gaps raise alarm. China–Taiwan tensions: Taiwan’s foreign minister is attending and Taiwan has donated electric buses and funding linked to health and “smart medicine,” while China has protested and even targeted Palau’s tourism with warnings. Health and food pressure: Separate reporting flags a Pacific “fuel crisis” that can quickly disrupt safe water, food, and access to healthcare—especially for remote places like Kiribati—while climate risks like El Niño and cyclones compound the strain. Social protection for workers: A review of the PALM labour mobility welfare support system says it looks strong on paper but is poorly understood and not well connected in practice, raising concerns for worker wellbeing. Nutrition and chronic disease: A Pacific-focused “global syndemic” piece highlights how climate change, undernutrition, and obesity are feeding non-communicable disease burdens across the region.