Taiwan-Linked Tech & Diplomacy: Taiwan says it’s boosting “drone diplomacy” by donating 145 UAVs and setting up overseas branches of its Global UAV Academy, with drones aimed at agriculture, disaster response, health deliveries and digital governance—showcased during a Palau stop tied to the Pacific Islands Forum. Pacific Climate Push: Forum leaders in Koror adopted urgent calls to keep 1.5°C alive, backed faster climate finance and a stronger ocean-climate focus, while Palau President Whipps stressed the real test is what communities see next. Women at the Table: A new Pacific Pact on Gender and Climate Action puts women’s leadership, gender-responsive climate data and climate finance access front and centre. Oceans & Deep-Sea Mining Fight: Leaders also tightened their stance on ocean sovereignty, fisheries and marine pollution, while Pacific campaigners and Greenpeace warn deep-sea mining deals could open the door to resource grabbing. Security Needs Follow-Through: A Palau-led side event says security declarations won’t help without political will, coordination and funding that reaches policing and communities. Regional Unity Under Strain: Naoero’s rare dissent over missile-test language highlights cracks as leaders push for transparency and respect for sovereignty. Culture & Identity: Palauan poet Stephanie Pettit won a UN Women regional poetry contest, turning personal motherhood pain into a public, award-winning voice.