Ocean Governance Clash: Solomon Islands has declined to endorse a new regional ocean declaration at the Melanesian Ocean Summit in Port Moresby, with High Commissioner William Soaki arguing the country’s customary ocean stewardship is rooted in constitutional due process and that no “external secretariat” should direct decisions in its EEZ. Diplomatic Push: PNG says it will open three new Pacific embassies—in the Marshall Islands, Tonga and Vanuatu—to deepen trade and regional decision-making. Youth & Jobs Focus: A World Bank update says Solomon Islands is set to have the highest youth population in the Pacific by 2035 (about 200,000), making a “jobs-first” approach urgent. Water as Growth Engine: The same World Bank briefing flags water infrastructure as a jobs driver, citing delays in water connections and the need for investment. Court Adjournment: An illegal gold trading case against a Chinese national was adjourned as the defence sought an interpreter to enter a plea. Economy Watch: The World Bank warns Pacific growth will weaken in 2026 (around 2.8%) as fuel, shipping and tourism shocks bite. Climate Cost: Solomon Islands says climate loss and damage is costing it about US$79m a year.