Climate Diplomacy: Ahead of COP31 (Oct 5–8), Pacific leaders in Fiji and Tuvalu pushed a united push for stronger global climate action, with Solomon Islands’ environment minister Wayne Ghemu saying the region will “hold the pen” on ambition. Sea-Level Reality Check: Prime Minister Matthew Wale is visiting Tuvalu to show high-tide impacts of sea-level rise firsthand, as leaders argue Pacific voices must sit at the centre of climate decisions. AI in Government: PM Wale says the government has started exploring an AI management system for the national Treasury to support real-time decision-making on live data, while warning about rogue AI agents. SINU Capacity Building: Two SINU staff returned from a China training on governance, risk management, digital governance and responsible use of emerging technologies including AI. Education & Tech Skills: SINU graduation highlighted responsible AI use and a gender gap in Science/Tech/TVET; separately, Australia-backed phone repair training will upskill 10 hearing-impaired Solomon Islanders. Health Services Upgrade: Honiara’s Naha Birthing & Urban Health Centre moves to 24/7 operations from 6 October, expanding continuous outpatient and low-risk delivery services. Agriculture Research: MALD’s rice trial (MAL 1 and MAL 2) is in final field stages ahead of harvest, aiming to test yields and local suitability. Climate Impacts on Livelihoods: El Niño-linked rain and shifting tides are disrupting seaweed farming in Western Province, compounding earlier cyclone damage.