COP31 Prep: Pacific senior officials met to sharpen regional climate priorities ahead of COP31, with Fiji and Tuvalu set to host pre-COP31 meetings in October 2026. Education Sovereignty: Solomon Islands National University VC Dr Transform Aqorau questioned heavy reliance on foreign consultants in curriculum reform, arguing children’s futures “cannot be outsourced.” Climate Insurance Pay-outs: TrigaCash’s first parametric microinsurance payouts reached about 35 rural policyholders (SBD$8,800) after heavy rainfall triggers, with Central Bank saying the system worked and paid quickly. Road Works in Honiara: Yacht Club Junction sealing on Mendana Avenue is completed and open, while remaining sections will continue with planned traffic controls and congestion expected. Jobs and Value-Add: Prime Minister Matthew Wale says GREAT Government will push local processing of resources to create jobs and raise export value, starting with Western Province and Noro. Youth and Jobs Warning: A World Bank report flags Solomon Islands must create more jobs for a growing youth population, citing growth drivers like mining, fisheries, and infrastructure spending. WASH for Schools: Vavalu Primary School in Guadalcanal received new water, sanitation and hygiene facilities, improving hygiene and attendance, especially for girls. Regional Finance for SMEs: A new Sustainable Pacific Blue Circle Fund launched in Suva aims to help Pacific micro, small and medium enterprises access finance, including in blue/green and climate resilience sectors.