More than 50 youth representatives from across Tonga gathered for a transformative three-day workshop focused on Renewable Energy and Climate Finance, held in Nuku’alofa.

World Bank President Ajay Banga said in a speech after visiting 27 countries from Peru to Tuvalu that the global lender needs to work faster and simplify its processes in a world experiencing greater polarisation.

Two children who were detained offshore in Nauru have won federal court settlements from the Australian government for medical negligence and abdicating its duty of care.

Pope Francis left Indonesia morning for Papua New Guinea, where the 87-year-old leader of the global Catholic Church will continue an ambitious 12-day tour across Southeast Asia and Oceania.

The Pacific Islands Forum secretariat has altered the communique from last week’s summit in Tonga to remove an affirming reference to Taiwan, after an outburst from China.

WHAT WAS CLAIMED

On the sidelines of the frenetic Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting this week, there was calm.

Tonga has overcome predictions the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting would be marred by disorganisation or stoushes, all while living up to its ‘friendly islands’ nickname.

The Taiwan-aligned Pacific nation of Palau has bit back at other nations acting as “fronts” for China, arguing moves to sideline Taiwan disrespect the Pacific Islands Forum.

Anthony Albanese has secured regional support for his Pacific Policing Initiative, which the Australian prime minister says will strengthen collective peace and security.

Palau President Surangel S Whipps Jr has nominated his country as Pacific Islands Forum chair in 2026.

Australia and Tuvalu will announce their trailblazing treaty, the Falepili Union, has entered into force on the sidelines of the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Tonga.