Pacific Natural Capital & Jobs: Nauru’s PM Matthew Wale used the PACT Pre-COP31 platform in Nadi to argue the Pacific’s oceans, forests, reefs and fisheries can be turned into real investment—jobs, food security, safer coasts and long-term revenue—pointing to the PNA Vessel Day Scheme as a model for sustainable, income-generating resource management. Climate Finance Push: Wale also backed reforms to climate funding and floated a Solomon Islands Sovereign Wealth Fund plus a Climate Resilience Investment Fund to blend public, private and international money. Pre-COP31 Diplomacy in Fiji: Australia’s Chris Bowen said only two non-Pacific leaders are attending the talks, with Australia facing scrutiny over the reported $20m cost and the need to keep Pacific climate priorities front and centre ahead of COP31. Ocean Protection vs Extraction: Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr. stressed the need to balance marine conservation with economic development, while other coverage highlights growing pressure from deep-sea mining debates across the region. Governance & Public Trust: Solomon Islands’ Dr Transform Aqorau told the Attorney-General’s Conference that public institutions must prioritise merit and accountability over connections to earn trust. ICC Under Pressure: The ICC ended its contract with insurer Axa amid US sanctions threats, with Naoero (formerly Nauru) also moving to withdraw from the court.