Pacific diplomacy at UNGA81: Pacific Islands Forum leaders, led by Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr, are heading to New York to push a united agenda on climate change, ocean governance, development finance and sea-level rise, with a push to mobilise US$500 million for the Pacific Resilience Facility ahead of Pre-COP31 and COP31. Digital connectivity push: At UNGA81 side events, Palau’s State Minister Gustav Aitaro joined regional talks on affordable digital access, cyber-security and safer digital spaces, stressing Pacific sovereignty and data protection. Palau-Taiwan education link: In Palau schools, Mandarin classes supported by Taiwan are growing, with educators pointing to higher return rates when students study in Taiwan versus the US. Coral resilience research: Palau scientists are raising heat-tolerant coral to restore reefs after warming seas, positioning the country as a living laboratory for reef survival. Regional environment finance: SPREP and Conservation International signed a five-year MOU to boost Pacific-led nature conservation, climate resilience and innovative conservation finance. Tourism trade development: PTI Australia appointed a senior North Pacific tourism advisor to help package and sell Palau and other North Pacific destinations through Australian channels. Legal sector hiring: Palau’s Ministry of Justice is recruiting four Assistant Attorneys General for civil and criminal divisions, with US-aligned qualifications encouraged.