Diabetes Hotspots: New IDF Atlas figures put Pakistan at the top for diabetes prevalence (31.4% in 2024), with the Marshall Islands (25.7%) and Kuwait (25.6%) also far above the global average—plus projections suggest the burden keeps rising toward 2050. Pacific Climate Diplomacy: Forum foreign ministers backed a stronger climate push ahead of COP31, calling for more climate finance, faster renewable investment, and Pacific leadership through Pre-COP31 meetings—French Polynesia attended at special envoy level. Ocean Tech & Safety: Ocean conservationist Dr. Sylvia Earle says deep-sea exploration can be “safer than flying” with certified underwater vehicles; her DOER Marine “Honu” sub is set for its first French Polynesia dive later this year. Whale Sound Recording: A French Polynesia humpback whale project used a custom 3D hydrophone array plus Sennheiser HD 300 PROtect headphones and MKH 8020 mics to capture immersive spatial audio. Expedition Travel (South Pacific): National Geographic-Lindblad unveiled its 2028–29 deployment, including new 7- and 14-day itineraries returning to French Polynesia with rare access to Makatea and routes linking Easter Island, Pitcairn, Henderson, Ducie, and the Tuamotus. Ocean Conservation Photography: Ocean Photographer of the Year 2026 finalists highlight ocean life under pressure, using striking wildlife imagery to spotlight the need for protection.