Pacific Development Deal: Papua New Guinea and Niue signed a framework agreement on development and technical cooperation at the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau, covering trade, investment, tourism, education and labour mobility, health, agriculture and food security, climate resilience, environmental protection, natural resource management, and infrastructure and digital connectivity. Climate Finance for Communities: The Pacific Resilience Facility is taking 14 community projects to Pacific pre-COP events and COP31, with funding aimed at water security, food production, coastal restoration, sanitation, renewable energy and resilience—showcasing Palau projects like Coral Youth Council’s water work and revival of traditional planting. Port and Logistics Push: The US announced a US$60m deep-sea port at Penrhyn in the Cook Islands, with New Zealand managing the build and contributing US$10m, highlighting how Pacific infrastructure and shipping access are becoming central to regional economic plans. Forum Watch: Coverage ahead of the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Palau flags a tough agenda for Niue and partners, as leaders try to turn geopolitical attention into practical outcomes for energy security, resilience, and regional cooperation. Net-Zero Scrutiny: A separate explainer questions how “net zero” is being used in politics and jobs and buildings, warning the term may be losing clear meaning.