Cook Islands prime minister Mark Brown says the Pacific Islands Forum can play a role in helping New Caledonia rebuild from violent riots earlier this year. Mr Brown returned from a three-day fact-finding mission to the divided French Pacific territory on behalf of the Forum.

The Papua New Guinea government's decision to withdraw from the upcoming United Nations climate change talks has caused concern among local environmental activists. They say COP serves as a platform for regional solidarity.

A delegation of Pacific leaders has toured conflict-ridden New Caledonia, where they’ve engaged in discussions with both pro-independence and loyalist groups. 

The Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting officially came to an end after a week of high level discussions between leaders from 56 countries.

Today, King Charles formally opened the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting. It occurs as Pacific countries ramp up pressure on Australia, Canada, and the UK over climate change action.

King Charles III has arrived in Samoa for the start of the Commonwealth Heads of Governments meeting. Welcoming him on the tarmac at Fale Olo International Airport was Samoa's Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa along with crowds of people.

There are reports of a shooting on a public bus in the country's highlands. The Post Courier has reported multiple deaths. 

Food security is one agenda of CHOGM discussions that deeply concerns many in Samoa with thousands of small-scale farmers facing challenges caused by increasingly volatile climate events like cyclones, drought, and rising sea levels.

The world's eyes are on Samoa as it begins hosting the historic Commonwealth Heads of Government (CHOGM). Commonwealth leaders, along with thousands of delegates and King Charles will gather in the capital Apia to discuss issues such as the climate crisis, environmental and security challenges. 

President of New Caledonia's Congress has revoked a controversial agreement with Azerbaijan, an agreement the French government is blaming for violent protests in May.