Citizenship-by-investment demand: Naoero’s Economic and Climate Resilience Citizenship Programme says global instability is driving a surge in applications, including from a US applicant and a European family seeking a second passport, with the scheme offering visa-free travel to 89 countries and funding climate resilience in one of the world’s most climate-vulnerable states. Regional security rift at the Pacific Islands Forum: Foreign ministers in Suva failed to agree on a joint response to China’s July missile test, with New Zealand’s Winston Peters accusing Kiribati and Naoero of blocking a clear condemnation—leaving the issue for leaders to tackle later. Digital connectivity milestone: Australia says all 18 Pacific Islands Forum members are now connected to the global undersea cable network, including Naoero’s first international cable link, aimed at boosting trade, government services, and business connectivity. Deep-sea mining backlash: A US plan to auction nearby seabed areas for mining exploration has sparked “no consultations” complaints from Pacific territories, with leaders warning of threats to food security and livelihoods. National identity update: Naoero officially reclaimed its traditional name, changing the country code from NRU to NRO and updating the citizen label to dei-Naoero. Trade and tourism links: PIDF and Fiji’s NVPL signed an MOU to open Northern Pacific export opportunities for thousands of farmers, while SPTO and PTI Australia promoted Naoero as a “Hidden Treasure” destination on a 2026 roadshow.