Nauru identity shift: President David Adeang told the UN General Assembly that the country has formally returned to its traditional name, Naoero, saying it better reflects local language and heritage; the change also updates the international code (NRU to NRO) and how citizens are officially referred to. ICC pullout and US reaction: Adeang also announced Naoero’s withdrawal from the International Criminal Court, framing it as sovereignty protection; the US then congratulated Naoero after meeting officials in New York, while Trump renewed pressure on countries to leave the ICC amid wider sanctions threats. Regional security posture: Pacific defence ministers met in Fiji for the South Pacific Defence Ministers’ Meeting, with critics saying the real agenda is tightening alliances for a US-led China-focused security approach. Ocean policy debate: Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr. urged Pacific states to balance marine conservation with economic development, as deep-sea mining and ocean protection pressures grow across the region. Governance and rule of law: Solomon Islands’ Dr Transform Aqorau told an attorney-general conference that public institutions must prioritize merit and accountability over connections to rebuild trust. Local governance/rights: Solomon Islands backed most UN human rights review recommendations while noting limits on capacity to implement sensitive legal and social changes.