COP31 Climate Diplomacy: Solomon Islands’ Environment Minister Wayne Ghemu urged stronger Pacific regionalism as COP31 approaches, arguing that speaking “with one voice” boosts negotiating power while keeping regional work tied to national priorities. Pacific Trade & Investment Links: New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters met Niue PM Dalton Tagelagi in Auckland alongside Fiji and Samoa counterparts, signaling continued close ties and setting up discussions that include investment and trade. Niue-Adjacent Regional Partnerships: A separate PACNEWS item says New Zealand and Fiji renewed their Duavata Partnership for five years, with cooperation spanning trade, security, and climate—useful context for how Pacific economic and resilience priorities are being coordinated. Corrections & Public Safety (PNG): PNG PM James Marape will personally oversee Correctional Services after prison escapes tied to crumbling infrastructure, a reminder that public systems and facilities remain a key operational risk for the region. Illicit Drugs (Fiji): Fiji’s police minister reported over NZ$3b in illicit drugs circulating over three years and flagged budget support for a Counter-Narcotics Bureau. Mining Compensation (Fiji): Fiji says it has paid more than FJ$7.4m to former Vatukoula mine workers, with nearly 300 beneficiaries fully compensated and more payments pending.