Education & Workforce: Vice Recteur Nicole Noilhetas outlined priorities after taking over as Head of Education for St. Martin and St. Barthélemy, focusing on staff stability and making posted roles more attractive. French Recovery Funding: France approved a second phase of its Economic and Social Reconstruction Pact for New Caledonia, adding €84.7m (CFP10.1bn) for 50 infrastructure and development projects to rebuild the economy, create jobs and improve services, including transport access for remote communities and upgrades to drinking water and sanitation. Maritime Boundary Talks: Vanuatu has walked away from negotiations with France over the maritime boundary with New Caledonia, with the dispute tied to sovereignty over two uninhabited islands claimed by both Vanuatu and supported by Kanak customary leaders. Shipping & Local Trade: Swire Projects delivered a 184-tonne bow section and six heavy barges from Vietnam to Brisbane, with the cargo then set to continue to Nouméa. Regional Sport: Solomon Islands withdrew from the Oceania Volleyball Championship in Guam (Aug 3-9), citing financial strain and visa costs; New Caledonia is among the confirmed teams. Diplomacy & Security: Three MPs from France’s overseas territories urged tougher action against Azerbaijan, including summoning the ambassador and economic sanctions, alleging interference in independence movements affecting New Caledonia and French Polynesia.