Climate Justice & Reparations: Vanuatu-backed climate action at the International Court of Justice got a major boost as UN countries voted overwhelmingly to back the court’s ruling, opening the door for harmed nations to seek reparations. LGBTQ Community & Dialogue: Groovy Banana co-founder Gaelle Meheut urged respectful conversation after backlash over a Pride Month Facebook post offering free photo shoots to LGBTQ couples, following a Prime Minister’s Office message discouraging activities seen as contrary to Vanuatu’s Christian identity. Indigenous Rights & Seabed Mining: Indigenous leaders across the Pacific are pushing back on seabed mining, framing the ocean as a living cultural landscape and citing sovereignty concerns, including New Caledonia’s 50-year ban on commercial seabed mining. Pacific Sovereignty & Kastom: A “David vs Goliath” dispute over the contested islands of Umaenupne and Umaeneg (Matthew and Hunter islands) highlights how colonial-era control could shape future sovereignty claims. Cyclone Recovery: Solomon Islands estimates about $150 million is needed to recover from Tropical Cyclone Maila, with priorities including health, education, livelihoods, and shelter. Tourism Links: Vanuatu Tourism Office renewed its MOU with Fiji Airways to strengthen routes and promote Vanuatu’s culture and adventure to global travellers. Melanesian Football Pathways: Ghupo Wantoks FC launched with a focus on youth development and regional pathways across Melanesia, including Vanuatu.