Indigenous Rights & Decolonization: The Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) reaffirmed its commitment to Indigenous rights, languages, cultures and traditional knowledge for International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, spotlighting living practices like kastom, sand drawing, navigation, dance and community conservation across Melanesia, including New Caledonia’s FLNKS. Anti-Colonial Solidarity: The International Decolonization Front adopted the “Corte Declaration” in Corsica, condemning French colonial exploitation mechanisms that target Indigenous sovereignty, livelihoods and dissent. New Caledonia Politics: New Caledonia’s newly elected president Milakulo Tukumuli unveiled his “collegial” cabinet portfolios, naming who now holds sensitive areas like health, social protection and transport, alongside economy, customs and food sovereignty. Culture & Lifestyle: A personal travel reflection makes Île des Pins on Île des Pins (New Caledonia) feel like a “mental sanctuary,” while a separate marine history call urges better signage after a freshly washed-up ship fragment was plundered. Regional Security Context: As Pacific Islands Forum foreign ministers meet ahead of leaders’ discussions, coverage highlights how security diplomacy is shaped by major-power competition. Gender in Maritime Work: Carnival Cruise Line appointed its first-ever female Staff Captain in Sydney, a milestone for gender diversity at sea.