SIART Agriculture Training: The Solomon Islands Agriculture Rural Transformation (SIART) Project wrapped a 3-day workshop in Auki, Malaita (26–28 Aug) training SIART Young Professionals and the Provincial Project Team on financial literacy and feed formulation, with skills meant to flow to 45 Malaita agribusiness producer organizations. Construction & Agriculture Services: SIART says the new double-storey agriculture office building in Auki has passed the halfway mark, meeting environmental and social requirements under the Contractor’s Environmental and Social Management Plan, with roofing next in the 12-month build. Local Business Finance: Australia-backed workshops in Honiara helped over 50 construction firms connect with banks and lenders, focusing on financial records, cash-flow management and meeting funding requirements. Energy & Electricity Costs: The World Bank reaffirmed support for Solomon Islands energy reforms and the Tina River Hydropower push aimed at lowering reliance on imported fuel and reducing electricity costs. Regional Security & Politics: At the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau, leaders pushed for climate-focused funding over geopolitics, while China defended its military stance after Pacific criticism of an ICBM test; locally, SICCI urged calm ahead of Solomon Islands’ no-confidence motion and called for protection of critical infrastructure. Education & Climate Resilience: UNICEF and the EU launched a €17m Pacific Climate Resilient Education Systems programme to upgrade schools in Solomon Islands and other countries so they can keep operating during disasters.