Pacific Islands Forum in Palau: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is set to arrive for the PIF leaders meeting amid political turbulence, with Samoa’s PM La’auli Leuatea Schmidt among leaders not attending, and the summit already shaped by debates over climate, food and fuel security, and regional security. Fuel shocks and energy transition: A Pacific peace-and-security report warns that rising fuel costs and import dependence can spill into wider social and political instability, urging faster moves toward renewable energy in Samoa. Health security push: Samoa and Papua New Guinea are strengthening national health security through WHO-linked Joint External Evaluations, aimed at improving preparedness across health, agriculture, environment, security and finance. Avian influenza warning: WHO urges Pacific countries to prepare for bird flu as H5N1 spreads in the region, stressing One Health coordination to protect livelihoods and public health. Domestic support for victims: Japan has approved a grant of about SAT 357,797 for the Samoa Victim Support Group to expand school facilities, adding a new classroom, livelihood training room, library and toilets. Cabinet medical treatment approval: Samoa Cabinet approved roughly $360,000 tālā to cover a minister’s medical treatment in New Zealand. Cancer research link: The University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center’s Body Composition Shared Resource Laboratory received IAEA Collaborating Centre designation, supporting standardized nuclear and radiological assessment work through 2030. Samoa sport and training: Manu Samoa Sevens have left for New Zealand ahead of the European leg of the HSBC World Sevens Series. Culture and tourism: The Measina Cultural & Arts Festival logo was unveiled, with the 2026 festival set to replace the Teuila Festival during the low season and spotlight arts, food, crafts and events.