For decades, young men and women from the Federated States of Micronesia, the Marshall Islands and Palau have worn U.S. military uniforms at strikingly high rates. Under the Compacts of Free Association, these freely associated states grant Washington strategic access to their land, waters and skies. In return, their citizens gain the right to live, work and enlist in the armed forces of the United States without visas.

The International Court of Justice issued a unanimous ruling in response to the questions posed by the UN General Assembly regarding the Obligations of States in respect of Climate Change.

As the Pacific Islands Forum happens this week in Solomon Islands, the spotlight will fall on the leaders gathering under one roof. All Forum meetings are memorable (or sometimes infamous) for different reasons, but for those at the centre of it all — it is often the more personal experiences and relationships forged among the chaos that really leave a lasting impact.