Pacific Governance Prep: Officials are meeting ahead of Palau’s upcoming Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting, reviewing progress under the 2050 Blue Pacific strategy and aligning recommendations from recent ministerial sessions. Regional Diplomacy: Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong heads to Fiji for the Pacific Islands Forum Foreign Ministers Meeting, with talks focused on peace and security, climate, and economic development. Smaller Island States Voice: PIF Secretary-General Baron Waqa urged Smaller Island States to keep political ownership of their priorities while using existing regional institutions to deliver results, noting Palau will chair the Forum this year. Palau Energy Transition: A report highlights Palau’s push to attract investment for clean energy as Pacific islands remain heavily dependent on imported diesel. Deep-Sea Mining Pushback: American Samoa and other Pacific leaders are alarmed by a US-backed move toward deep-sea mining, arguing communities were not properly consulted. Security & Defense: The US Army has deployed an Avenger short-range air defense system to Palau, underscoring the region’s focus on drone and low-altitude threats. Local Governance Disruption (Region): Tropical Storm Maymay has triggered widespread class suspensions and evacuations in parts of the Philippines, including Zambales.