Climate & Health Diplomacy: Leaders at the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau are expected to press Australia on emissions, with host President Surangel Whipps Jr. again challenging fossil-fuel expansion and urging a faster coal and gas phase-out. Pacific Cooperation & Care: Taiwan’s Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung attended Palau’s Pacific Prosperity Exhibit, highlighting projects tied to low-carbon energy, smart agriculture, and smart healthcare, including support for the Belau National Hospital’s AI system. Spinal Pain Burden: A new Asia-Pacific study reviews how low back and neck pain drive disability and healthcare strain, pointing to rehab approaches like aerobic plus core stabilization exercises as helpful for older adults. Ocean-First Climate Action: Fiji says COP31 must put the ocean at the centre of climate action, linking warming seas, coral decline, and disrupted fisheries directly to community health and livelihoods. Tuvalu Ecosystem Recovery: Tuvalu removed invasive rats from six islets, with residents now reporting returning birds and coconut crabs—an ecosystem win that supports healthier local food and environment. Tuvalu PROPER Safeguards: Tuvalu released labour and environmental plans for the Tuvalu PROPER oceanscape project, covering worker health and safety, community health and safety, biodiversity protection, and grievance channels.