Pacific climate diplomacy in Fiji: Nauru’s PM Matthew Wale used the PACT Pre-COP31 talks in Nadi to argue the region’s oceans, forests, reefs and fisheries can be turned into jobs and resilience through sustainable management, pointing to Pacific-led models like the PNA Vessel Day Scheme and calling for climate finance reform plus new funds such as a Climate Resilience Investment Fund and a Solomon Islands Sovereign Wealth Fund. Who’s in the room: Only two leaders from outside the Pacific are attending the pre-COP meeting, as Australia pushes the summit as a key diplomatic focus ahead of COP31. Ocean protection vs development: Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr. says Pacific nations must balance marine conservation with economic needs, backing stewardship while investing in production. Deep-sea mining pressure: Fiji has urged a precautionary pause on deep-sea mining, while Cook Islands youth debate whether extracting deep minerals can deliver a real future without damaging sacred ocean ecosystems. Nauru and the ICC: The US has congratulated Naoero (formerly Nauru) after it announced withdrawal from the International Criminal Court, framing it as sovereignty. Whale sanctuary setback: A South Atlantic whale sanctuary bid failed again at the International Whaling Commission, with Nauru among countries voting against.