Women & Culture in Palau: At the 55th Pacific Islands Forum closing ceremony, young Palauan women took centre stage in traditional dance, highlighting how women lead in community decisions—even as women remain outnumbered at the political table. Human Rights Pressure (West Papua): Indonesia says a UN human rights commissioner visit to West Papua is “on the right path,” after MSG leaders warned they could review Indonesia’s associate status in 2027 if the visit isn’t facilitated. Ocean & Deep-Sea Mining: Forum leaders backed stronger Pacific action on ocean sovereignty, fisheries, marine pollution and deep-sea minerals, while campaigners say Indigenous knowledge must carry equal weight in the deep-sea mining debate. Missile Testing Rift: Leaders agreed to push for more transparency on missile tests, but Naoero broke ranks in the communiqué over how the issue was handled. Climate Action Push: The BELAU Declaration calls for urgent, inclusive climate action to keep 1.5°C alive, with faster climate finance and a shift away from fossil fuels. Schools Built for Disasters: A new EU-UNICEF programme will fund climate-resilient schools across the Pacific, upgrading water, sanitation, renewable energy and disaster-ready maintenance. Crime & Security Reality Check: Palau’s justice minister says tackling transnational organised crime needs political will, funding and better intelligence sharing—not just more declarations. Regional Unity vs Big Powers: Multiple reports show the Forum wrestling with great-power rivalry, with Pacific leaders urging commitments to turn into everyday results for communities.