Critical Minerals Diplomacy: A U.S envoy says Cook Islands seabed minerals are now a top priority, with Ambassador Jared Novelly telling Pacific leaders that critical minerals have jumped to the top tier of Washington’s agenda and warning about the risks of China’s growing influence—directly relevant to Niue as the region weighs minerals, investment, and sovereignty. Regional Security & Governance: Pacific Elders warn that geopolitical competition is reshaping the region, urging that security and regional institutions stay under Pacific control with sovereignty, transparency, and equal decision-making at the center. Tourism & Digital Services: South Pacific Pocket Guide launched VanuatuPocketGuide.com, a research-backed online travel guide built to help independent travellers plan and support local tourism operators—an example Niue’s industry could mirror for outer-region visibility and booking-ready content. Health & Food Systems (Regional Context): A global obesity-focused report spotlights Nauru’s extreme obesity rate and links it to past phosphate-driven economic shifts, imported food changes, and limited fresh produce—useful context for Niue’s nutrition and local food resilience discussions.