Social Protection: A new UN DESA policy brief says Pacific Small Island Developing States, including Kiribati, need stronger social protection to cut poverty and help people cope with climate disasters and food, fuel and energy price shocks; it notes coverage is below 30% in Kiribati and several other Pacific states, while Cook Islands and Palau are above 90%. Climate Risk & Sea Level Rise: A UN General Assembly push on “existential threats” highlights how sea level rise is already being felt worldwide, with oceans rising faster than in at least the past three millennia and threatening coastal communities and ecosystems. Pacific Resilience & Health Context: With climate impacts driving stress on household budgets and access to essentials like health and education, the UN’s message ties directly to health outcomes—protecting income and spending can reduce vulnerability during shocks.