Venice Film Festival: Agog-backed immersive climate works scored big at the 83rd Venice Immersive competition, with Out of the Ashes winning the Special Jury Prize and Empire at Sea taking the Achievement Prize—two very different ways of telling climate stories. Democracy & Rights: Transparency Solomon Islands marks International Democracy Day by stressing that democracy only works when human rights are protected and institutions stay transparent and accountable. Education & Skills: Solomon Islands is pushing deeper ties with Canada, with education, labour mobility, affordable energy and connectivity at the centre of talks. Elections & Inclusion: UNDP is looking at using technology to reduce electoral malpractice ahead of 2028, alongside ideas like waiving nomination fees and mentorship to widen participation. Learning on the ground: MEHRD is rolling out professional development for teacher support facilitators, while a new WASH facility improves safer learning at Gifu Primary School. Community transport: West Makira received China-funded boats and outboard motors to boost access for health, schooling, fisheries and farming. Culture & sport: Solomon Islands is set to compete in the Oceania 7s Women’s Cup in Rotorua. Regional peace & UXO: A survivor-led call in Palau urges UXO response to focus on rebuilding lives, not just clearing explosives. People-to-people ties: The first Solomon Islands students under the “1,000 students per year to China” initiative have departed for vocational training.