Pacific Islands News Roundup – September 26 – October 2, 2025

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Pacific Partnership Medical Personnel Participate in Medical Training with Palau Locals

KOROR, Palau – Medical personnel from the Belau National Hospital partnered with the U.S. Army’s Oceania Engagement Team, and Pacific Partnership 2025 to conduct a trauma training and air evacuation exercise in Koror, Palau, Sept. 23. The training...

USS John L. Canley Arrives in Palau During Pacific Partnership 2025

KOROR, Palau (Sept. 22, 2025) The Lewis B. Puller-class expeditionary sea base USS John L. Canley (ESB 6), arrives in Koror, Palau in support of Pacific Partnership 2025, Sept. 22, 2025. Now, in its 21st iteration, the Pacific Partnership series...

Palau, U.S. Explore Cooperation as Washington Pushes Asylum Hosting Proposal

By: L.N. Reklai Airai, Palau (Sept. 17, 2025) — “We can’t approve asylum seekers coming to Palau, but the United States asked if we can continue a dialogue,” President Surangel Whipps Jr. said Wednesday, describing discussions with U.S. Deputy...

Former FSM President Joseph Urusemal Remembered as Family Mourns Untimely Passing in Palau

The family of former FSM President Joseph J. Urusemal is mourning his untimely passing in Palau. Remembered as both a national leader and a devoted brother, his loved ones shared moments of quiet strength and deep loss in his final days. 🙏💐 By:...

TNC and University of Queensland partner to Map Coral Refugia in Palau

The Nature Conservancy (TNC) Micronesia and Polynesia has partnered with the University of Queensland (UQ) to identify coral reef “refugia” in Palau—areas where local conditions help corals withstand extreme heat and other climate-related...

The Nature Conservancy and University of Queensland partner to map coral refugia in Palau

(TNC) — The Nature Conservancy Micronesia and Polynesia has partnered with the University of Queensland to identify coral reef “refugia” in Palau — areas where local conditions help corals withstand extreme heat and other climate-related stresses....

Pacific news in brief for 3 October

Bougainville commemorated the 24th Anniversary of the Bougainville Peace Agreement (BPA) on 30 August 2025. The BPA is a historic accord signed between the people of Bougainville and the Papua New Guinea government 2001. Photo: Autonomous...

USS John L. Canley (ESB 6) arrives in Koror, Palau, Sept. 22, during Pacific Partnership 2025

KOROR, Palau– The Lewis B. Puller-class expeditionary mobile base USS John L. Canley (ESB 6) arrived in Koror, Palau Sept. 22, 2025. “It’s wonderful for our mission to return to Palau, where we look forward to working alongside our multinational...

Palauan president accuses China of coercion

Palauan President Surangel Whipps Jr. called for closer cooperation between countries in the Pacific region and accused China of trying to dominate his small island nation through economic pressure and organized crime during an appearance at a...

Palau Marks National Ozone Day, Urges Action to Protect Earth’s Shield

KOROR, Palau — President Surangel S. Whipps Jr. has proclaimed Sept. 16, 2025, as National Ozone Day, joining countries around the world in observing World Ozone Day and highlighting the vital role the ozone layer plays in sustaining life on...

USS Pearl Harbor returns to San Diego after Pacific Partnership mission

Families of sailors assigned to the Harpers Ferry-class amphibious dock landing ship USS Pearl Harbor wait on the pier as the ship arrives at its homeport of San Diego, Oct. 01, 2025 after she participated in Pacific Partnership. (Ulrika...

Students Lead Digital Safety Awareness at Palau Forum

Palau Students Tackle Cyberbullying, Online Safety at Youth Forum By Faith Chen KOROR, Palau — When Mirang Subediang stood before a room of 60 middle school students to share her experience with cyberbullying, she had one message: “It is okay to...

Head Start Changed Everything”: Palau Families Share How the Program Shapes Futures

By: Laurel Marewibuel KOROR, Palau — The morning ritual is simple but powerful. A bus pulls up, children climb aboard with backpacks nearly as big as they are, and mothers wave with a mix of pride and relief. For many Palauan parents, this daily...

Experts gather in Singapore to discuss healthcare emissions cut

Experts gather in Singapore to discuss healthcare emissions cut September 19, 2025 | Friday | News A new coalition of Asia-Pacific countries, backed by WHO Globally, 5% of total climate emissions come from the healthcare sector, contributing to...

PAWS Mobile Spay/Neuter Clinic is going to Ngeremlengui

Palau Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) alongside Ngeremlengui State Government is now holding a Free Spay/Neuter Mobile Clinic at Ngeremlenguithis week… You must be logged in and subscribed to view this content.

WHO Pushes Asia-Pacific Health Systems Toward Low-Carbon, Climate-Resilient Future

Cambodia’s Nationally Determined Contribution recognizes the impact of climate change on health, especially affecting children and the elderly, setting out five priority actions for adaptation. Photo: WHO Cambodia/Aforative Media PHNOM PENH—The...

Panelists call for GovGuam to improve health care access

Panelists during Wednesday night’s medical town hall in Dededo called for the government of Guam to improve access to health care and for patients to stay up-to-date with their medication, treatments and appointments as a preventive step. “We’re...

Palau’s Sanya Mae Olkeriil Becomes First Woman to Graduate FBI National Academy

“Completing the FBI National Academy was a transformative experience that will help me better serve our community,” said Chief Sanya Mae Olkeriil, head of the Division of Juvenile Justice, after becoming the first Palauan woman to graduate from...

Palau, Kiribati, Vanuatu and Marshall Islands Urge Action on ICJ Climate Opinion

At the Pacific Islands Forum, leaders from Kiribati, Palau, Vanuatu and the Marshall Islands said the ICJ climate ruling must be more than symbolic. They called for urgent policy changes to safeguard sovereignty, secure justice, and ensure Pacific...