Pacific Islands Forum in Palau: Leaders are arriving amid geopolitical tension over Taiwan and China, with reports of key absences (including Samoa) casting a shaky start over the forum’s unity theme. Sports diplomacy: Australia’s PM Anthony Albanese announced $15.6m for Pacific high-performance athletes ahead of Brisbane 2032, aiming to boost training and qualification through major regional and global events. Samoa at the forum: Pacific ACP leaders pushed for stronger EU partnerships, stressing implementation of the Samoa Agreement and tangible outcomes for Pacific states. Culture & identity: Samoa is shifting its big festival from Teuila to Measina, with a stronger focus on community-centred traditions and the stories people carry forward. Education & youth: USP Samoa Campus and the Savai’i Centre hosted Open Day for thousands of students, linking culture with pathways into higher education. Traditional knowledge: Samoan traditional healers are working with government agencies to build a national framework to safeguard healing knowledge, including clearer referral pathways. Local spotlight: Miss Taumeasina Island Resort contestant Laurissa Pona-Baker says her grandparents inspired her to compete and advocate for education and culture. Health & rights in schools: Samoa’s Ombudsman met the Education and Culture ministry to strengthen Friendly Schools human-rights awareness for students.