Pacific Peace Call: Pacific Islands Forum leaders, including Cook Islands PM Mark Brown, urged world leaders to uphold the UN Charter and seek peaceful dispute settlement as wars and tensions continue to ripple through small economies. Border Security & Trade Enforcement: Cook Islands Customs received US Homeland Security Investigations training and drug test kits, boosting intelligence and enforcement capacity against transnational crime. Middle East Cost Pressure: The Asian Development Bank is rolling out a $4b crisis package for countries hit by the Middle East conflict, with trade finance for energy and food imports—relevant to Pacific freight and fuel costs. Local Business Skills: The Cook Islands Business Hub closed after years supporting youth learning and workplace pathways, including Massey University graduates backed through the hub. Women’s Health & Community Services: Free cervical screening outreach continues in Rarotonga, with clinics scheduled at Kavera and other sites in coming weeks. Plastic Policy Push: The National Environment Service is developing a Cook Islands National Action Plan to tackle plastic pollution under the Pacific Ocean Litter Project. Water Governance: Former PM Henry Puna appointed chair of To Tatou Vai, as the water authority continues work on safe, reliable services. Cybercrime Cooperation: Cook Islands is among countries involved in Pacific-wide efforts to strengthen cybercrime laws and legal responses.