Health leaders noted that measles is one of the most contagious diseases that expose weaknesses in immunization systems. Nearly 1.7 million babies—or about one in every 11— born in the Western Pacific missed the first routine vaccine dose in 2025, the World Health Organization said, warning against the risks of otherwise eliminated diseases resurging in the region.

Islanders also asked their ancestors for help with planting crops, traveling, going to war, or other important activities. Traditional healers, called "makahna," used the skulls in prayers and rituals.

The U.S. government has warned against the rising trend of criminals operating across the Pacific with ties to China.

On the map, Palau may appear like just a collection of isles in a vast blue ocean. But maps don’t always depict the real picture. Palau is a sovereign country, a nation of people defined by a rich culture, traditional values and strong relationships.

The message, delivered just as the Pacific Small Islands Developing States concluded their intensive preparatory sessions at the Tanoa International Hotel in Nadi, is clear: the Pacific intends to hold the pen and dictate the ambition for the upcoming UN Climate Change Conference in Antalya, Türkiye.

One of the most important is that you simply cannot go through life staying angry with people. There isn't enough room. In a large city, if you have a terrible disagreement with someone, you can probably arrange things so that you never have to see that person again. On a small island, that is almost impossible.

The program aims to strengthen the foundations for private sector-led growth, expand economic opportunities for Tongans and help the country make better use of its public, human and natural resources.

Veterans from the Federated States of Micronesia, the Marshall Islands and Palau continue to face steep barriers to accessing Department of Veterans Affairs health care, despite long‑standing promises made under the Compacts of Free Association, according to the Government Accountability Office.

The dialogue also carried particular significance as Secretary-General Guterres’ final meeting with Pacific Islands Forum Leaders in this format before his term concludes at the end of 2026.

Pago Pago—The government of American Samoa has launched a website to foster public discussion on deep-sea mining and keep its citizens engaged with the emerging issue.

However, American Samoa continues to face serious threats to its economic driver: the illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, or IUU, which unfairly costs and competes with the America's seafood industry.

As world leaders gathered in New York for the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly, Pacific island nations have again arrived with a message that is both familiar and urgent: climate change is no longer a future threat. It is a present-day security crisis, an economic crisis and, for some nations, an existential crisis.