Ocean Governance & Power Imbalances: A senior international law expert says behind-the-scenes diplomacy in ocean and climate talks often clashes with public promises, sidelining Pacific and Global South voices in processes like BBNJ and deep-sea mining. World Oceans Day—Vanuatu Leads: Vanuatu’s Climate Change Minister Ralph Regenvanu urged urgent ocean stewardship, calling the ocean central to development and warning of a “triple planetary crisis” of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution. UN Climate Law Shift: The UN General Assembly endorsed an ICJ advisory opinion that failing to protect the climate system breaches international law—an outcome rooted in a Pacific-led push. Pacific Ocean Unity: Former Forum SG Dame Meg Taylor warned that militarisation and reliance on outside funding could weaken Pacific-led ocean governance, urging economic self-determination. Solar for Resilience: Vanuatu Climate Action Network coordinator Mario Liunamel highlighted Pacific solar training that builds local skills to cut power costs and boost stability. Marine Protection in the Region: Papua New Guinea announced a Western Manus Marine Protected Area with a total fishing ban, joining the Melanesian Ocean Corridor of Reserves. Fossil Fuel Scrutiny: Tuvalu’s PM criticised fossil-fuel-linked investments in the Tuvalu Trust Fund, saying it’s “not a good look” for a country advocating climate action. EU Seafood Rule Impact: EU food safety changes may affect 97% of Pacific freezer vessels exporting to the EU, with training in Suva aimed at keeping market access.