PACIFIC — Pacific families are caught between fossil fuel gamble and push for clean energy6. PACNEWS DIGEST — Pacific dialogue concludes with call for action on women’s leadership and shared decision-makingPAC – AID: PACNEWS PACNEWS 3: Mon 10 Aug 2026Australia maintains $5.2b Aid Programme as Pacific takes priorityCANBERRA, 10 AUGUST 2026 (PACNEWS) — Australia will invest $5.2 billion (US$2.67 billion) in official development assistance in 2026-27, with more than three-quarters directed to the Pacific and Southeast Asia as Canberra maintains its development programme despite shrinking aid budgets elsewhere. PACNEWSCOOKS – DIPLOMACY: PACNEWS PACNEWS 3: Mon 10 Aug 2026First U.S Ambassador to Cook Islands marks new era in tiesRAROTONGA, 10 AUGUST 2026 (PACNEWS) — The United States has formally accredited its first-ever ambassador to the Cook Islands, marking a new chapter in diplomatic relations between the two Pacific countries. Agriculture is central to the way of life of Pacific communities: a source of food, income, culture and security. In most Pacific communities, women manage household food gardens and are often responsible for collecting water for domestic use.