Pacific Islands Forum in Palau: Leaders begin gathering in Koror, but several heads of government are absent, including Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale (pulled by a no-confidence motion) and others, casting a shadow over the push for unity and tangible outcomes ahead of COP31. Fiji-Australia business push: Fiji and Australia want to move from dialogue to investment, with Australia committing FJ$146.3m for Fiji’s digital transformation (cloud, AI, cyber, data) under the Vuvale Union plan, plus standards support. Climate position drive: Fiji is urging Pacific leaders to endorse a united regional climate stance for Pre-COP31 and COP31, focusing on 1.5°C, climate finance, ocean protection and PSIDS priorities. Kava regulation push: Government says kava could become a major industry and is moving to strengthen regulation via a new Kava Bill to protect farmers and improve quality for export markets. Green jobs skills: USP has opened a sustainable energy training centre, while Fiji’s solar sector warns of a specialised skills shortage and calls for accredited training to support the renewable transition. Elderly care expansion: New community aged-care homes have opened in Lautoka (Koroipita), funded with New Zealand support, aiming to keep older people connected to their communities. Workplace justice: Fiji Women’s Rights Movement urges no further reduction of former FHL CEO Fareed’s sentence after his appeal plans. Local governance dispute: FLP calls Navua’s new town declaration a “campaign stunt,” questioning whether key administrative and infrastructure groundwork is ready.