MSG Leadership Milestone: Vanuatu’s Dr Anna Naupa has been appointed the first woman—and first ni-Vanuatu—to lead the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) Secretariat, a historic 40-year wait now ending in Port Vila, with the government framing it as a big win for regional women’s leadership. Ocean Stewardship: Pacific governments are being urged to strengthen ocean protection as Vanuatu’s Minister for Climate Change Adaptation, Ralph Regenvanu, points to new national ocean laws and the push for stronger regional action rooted in Pacific values and customary knowledge. Renewables & Community Power: Pacific energy experts warn that the renewable transition must learn from the fuel crisis—especially by backing locally led solutions and community leadership, not just emergency supply. Pride Backlash in Vanuatu: A Vanuatu photographer’s free Pride Month photo shoots for LGBTQIA+ people sparked public backlash and a Prime Minister’s Office message discouraging activities seen as clashing with Christian values. Culture & Design Rights: A New Zealand fashion designer raises concerns about a webstore selling Māori and other Pacific motifs, warning shoppers to check where designs come from. Education Focus: Samoa hosts a Pacific education leaders conference, stressing investment in teachers, training pathways, and support for improving literacy and numeracy. World Refugee Day: Save the Children reports nearly 2 million children have returned to Syria in 18 months, but many face damaged homes, collapsed services, and contaminated land.