Health Watch: New French Polynesia figures show obesity climbing fast, with adult obesity up from 40% (2010) to 51% (2021) and obesity among adolescents rising by 2024, alongside higher rates of diabetes, high blood pressure and chronic kidney disease. Regional Environment & Governance: SPREP’s 5th Executive Board meeting in Samoa put the spotlight on the “triple planetary crises,” with Pacific leaders reviewing priorities and funding as they push for resilience and environmental leadership. Deep-Sea Mining Pressure: Te Ipukarea Society (TIS) took Cook Islands’ concerns about seabed mining to the International Seabed Authority, challenging a US company’s push for an exploration licence tied to waters surrounded by Cook Islands, Kiribati and French Polynesia. Climate Diplomacy: Forum foreign ministers backed stronger climate action ahead of COP31, endorsing Pacific-led Pre-COP31 meetings and climate finance priorities, with French Polynesia attending at special envoy level. Pacific Games Update: The Pacific Games Council gave Tahiti 2027 a thumbs-up, saying preparations are on track after briefings and facility tours in Pape’ete. Ocean Protection Deal: Rapa Nui’s marine reserve expansion moves toward indigenous-led management, aiming to turn protection “on paper” into long-term stewardship. Security & Cooperation: Samoa and France discussed new cooperation areas including education exchanges, maritime security, illegal drugs, and possible direct air links involving French Polynesia.