Deep-Sea Mining Governance: ITLOS backed Nauru and Tonga seabed mining contractors by issuing provisional measures, requiring the ISA to follow due process in its inquiries and contract-extension steps—while keeping the investigation itself moving. ISA Contract Extension Under Scrutiny: The ISA Council extended Nauru Ocean Resources Inc’s exploration contract, but Greenpeace says it sets a dangerous precedent and is pushing for a moratorium, pointing to ongoing legal fights over “unlawful” deep-sea mining. Pacific Aid Race: A Lowy Institute report finds Australia remains the top development-finance source for the Pacific (37% share in 2024, about US$2.14b), while China’s influence is argued to come more from smaller, highly visible projects—highlighting Nauru’s Aiwo Port Terminal upgrade tied to Chinese state-linked work. Critical Minerals Research: UN University’s Saleem Ali received a Humboldt Research Award for work on critical minerals and energy transitions, reinforcing the research pipeline behind future supply-chain decisions. Housing Affordability Lens: UN-Habitat data ranks Nauru among the least affordable markets globally on price-to-income ratios, a reminder that industry and infrastructure planning must connect to household costs. Regional Security Deals: Australia’s Pacific diplomatic push continues with new defence cooperation moves, while the Solomon Islands signals a more balanced approach by inviting US Coast Guard patrol support via a ship-rider style agreement.