Pacific Islands Forum in Palau: The 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting is underway in Koror, Palau, but already faces health-and-society knock-on effects from politics: several top leaders are absent, including Kiribati’s President Taneti Maamau (represented virtually), Fiji, Vanuatu, Samoa, and Solomon Islands—raising concerns about regional unity on climate and security. China–Taiwan tensions: China warns Taiwan’s presence could have “consequences,” while Australia’s PM Anthony Albanese says the forum decides participation; Taiwan is back at the meeting after being excluded last year. Connectivity for health services: A landmark East Micronesia Cable is now delivered, bringing faster internet to Tarawa, Kiribati and other Micronesian communities—supporting more reliable access to essential services. Drug crime and public safety: Leaders are set to tackle transnational drug crime alongside climate resilience and food security, with Pacific police support already deployed. Sports and wellbeing funding: Australia announced $15.6m to help Pacific athletes and officials reach Brisbane 2032 and other major events. Health systems spotlight: Separate coverage highlights the PALM worker welfare support system as extensive on paper but weak in practice, and notes Pacific-wide pressures from climate-driven food and nutrition problems.