Pacific Forum Push for Action: Solomon Islands’ Rick Houenipwela urged Pacific leaders to turn years of communiqués into real outcomes, pointing to the Review of Regional Architecture as a chance to reset priorities amid geopolitics, climate, security and finance pressures. PRF Moves From Idea to Projects: Cook Islands PM Mark Brown backed the Pacific Resilience Facility as it shifts from pledges to community-funded climate adaptation, with PRF showcasing 14 community impact projects ahead of COP31. Solomon Islands Finance Watch: The Central Bank of Solomon Islands kept its policy rate at 1.5% but warned inflation could climb to 5–6% by end-2026, driven by oil prices and weather disruptions. SME Credit Boost: SICCI welcomed the relaunch of the Small and Medium Enterprises Credit Guarantee Scheme, saying it can unlock affordable lending for local businesses. Geopolitics Overhangs Business Agenda: China warned of “consequences” for Taiwan’s presence at the Palau-hosted Pacific Islands Forum, while several leaders skipped the opening—raising concerns that great-power rivalry could crowd out climate, crime and development priorities. Solomons Diplomacy and Trade: Switzerland offered support to reopen Solomon Islands’ permanent mission in Geneva, and SINU will host the 2026 National Trade Fair in September. Regional Funding Race: Australia and the US announced a combined US$580m package for Pacific nations, including energy security and anti-drug smuggling efforts. Local Governance Tensions: OPMC rejected a move to topple PM Matthew Wale as a political power grab, amid ongoing reform plans.