US flags and a sign to honour Charlie Kirk are seen at a memorial set up outside of Timpanogos Regional Hospital in Orem, Utah. Photo: MELISSA MAJCHRZAK
Northern Mariana Islands - Kirk
Northern Marianas leaders have joined voices across the United States in mourning the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was shot and killed last week during a public appearance in Utah.
Governor David Apatang and lieutenant-governor Dennis C. Mendiola called Kirk's death "a profound loss in our national conversation".
They said Kirk's work reflected the democratic value of free speech.
Delegate Kimberly King-Hinds also issued condolences to Kirk's family.
Former lawmaker Edwin Propst used his remarks to call for greater tolerance and an end to political violence.
Pacific - climate
Pacific leaders have renewed calls for Turkey to withdraw its bid to host COP31, urging it to make way for Australia and the Pacific to stage the global climate talks.
Despite strong support within its United Nations group, Australia's bid cannot proceed unless Turkey steps aside, or the event will revert to Bonn, Germany.
Guardian Australia reported Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is expected to raise the issue directly with President Erdogan during the UN General Assembly in New York this month.
A final decision is expected by the end of COP30 in Brazil this November.
Fiji - Palestine
Fiji was among 12 countries that abstained from a UN General Assembly vote endorsing the New York Declaration, which backs a two-state solution and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.
The Fiji Times reported the resolution passed with 142 votes in favor and 10 against, including the US and Israel.
Palestinian authorities welcomed the outcome and urged immediate action to implement the declaration.
Papua New Guinea - ecosystems
Four villages in Papua New Guinea have launched community-led projects to protect local mangrove and seagrass ecosystems.
Supported by SPREP's MACBLUE project and the Wildlife Conservation Society, the initiative aims to help Lapai, Tome, Bagatare, and Sivasat communities to "sustain their shores, culture, and livelihoods".
Pac News reported locally formed committees will oversee sustainable use of these 'blue carbon' habitats promoting food security, biodiversity, coastal protection, and climate resilience.
Pacific - weather
The UN's World Meteorological Organisation has run a workshop on the role of AI in weather forecasting.
It brings together more than 50 international experts from weather services, academia and the private sector, including Google and Microsoft.
The three-day event will explore how artificial intelligence can strengthen weather, climate, hydrological, and marine services.
The WMO is enabling regional climate centres in Africa, the Caribbean, and the Pacific to apply AI in sub-seasonal forecasting.
