Forum Economic Ministers Meeting in Majuro: President Hilda Heine opened the 2026 Forum Economic Ministers Meeting, pushing ministers to move from talk to delivery on financial inclusion, citing barriers like weak connectivity and the loss of correspondent banking, while pointing to digital tools as a way to widen access across outer islands. Fuel crisis, long-term fixes: Finance Minister David Paul said Pacific leaders are done with reacting to shocks and are now focused on energy security and long-term measures to cut dependence on imported fossil fuels, as the region faces a “triple shock” of fuel insecurity, higher import costs, and food vulnerability. Regional resilience planning: Forum SG Baron Waqa urged ministers to use worsening global conditions as a chance to strengthen regional resilience, with the Middle East conflict and energy market disruption driving new urgency. Digital money in practice: Ministers also got hands-on with the Marshall Islands’ USDM1 digital money system and Lomalo Wallet during the meeting, highlighting digital payments as a practical inclusion tool. Cybercrime risk: Tonga joined an INTERPOL regional cybercrime initiative, with the report warning that small island states remain vulnerable due to limited preparedness and resources. Ocean conservation funding: Bloomberg Philanthropies pledged USD 260 million to expand coral reef restoration under the Bloomberg Ocean Initiative, including new work in the Marshall Islands. Seafarer protections: A June 25 seafarers’ feature tied the Strait of Hormuz disruption to the need for stronger crew rights and safety in war-zone shipping.