In the Pacific, communities are scattered across thousands of islands, and emergencies can isolate entire populations overnight. Getting the right relief supplies where they’re needed is a constant challenge. Pacific Island countries lose an estimated 2–7% of their Gross Domestic Product (GDP) annually due to disasters, making preparedness not just a priority, but an economic and social imperative.
Recognising this, the Pacific Community (SPC) and the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) have formalised a strategic partnership through a Letter of Agreement (LoA) to strengthen humanitarian supply chain and logistics (HSC&L) capabilities across 15 countries. This collaboration through improved warehousing systems, training, and regional coordination, aims to enhance disaster preparedness and response.
The LOA establishes a framework for joint action under SPC’s Pacific Humanitarian Warehousing Program (PHWP) and WFP’s Pacific Multi-Country Strategic Plan (MCSP), focusing on inclusive, locally led, and environmentally responsible humanitarian approaches.
SPC Deputy Director-General Science and Capability, Dr Paula Vivili said, “This partnership reflects our shared commitment to building resilient systems that empower Pacific communities to respond effectively to disasters. By combining SPC’s regional disaster risk management expertise with WFP’s global logistics capabilities, we are investing in sustainable solutions that strengthen national ownership and coordination.”
WFP Deputy Country Director for the Pacific Multi-Country Office, Emma Conlan added, “We are proud to collaborate with SPC to support Pacific governments in enhancing their humanitarian logistics systems. This partnership is a vital step toward ensuring that humanitarian emergency relief supplies reach those most in need, faster and more efficiently.”
With a particular focus on warehousing systems, processes, and capabilities across participating countries, key activities of the LOA include mapping supply chain capacity and warehouse processes, delivering technical training and mentoring, developing logistics and warehousing qualifications, implementing an industry internship programme, and establishing a Community of Practice (COP).
The LoA also prioritises gender equality, disability and social inclusion (GEDSI), localisation, and greening of humanitarian action, ensuring that no one gets left behind. Through joint planning, mutual visibility, and shared reporting mechanisms, SPC and WFP aim to maximise the impact of these investments and ensure long-term sustainability - because strengthening humanitarian logistics isn’t just about efficiency; it’s about saving lives.
Implementation of the LoA is already underway, with regional trainings, technical mentoring, and Logistics Management Information Systems (LMIS) development scheduled for Vanuatu through to 2027. The partnership will be reviewed periodically to remain responsive to emerging needs and ensure alignment with national priorities.
Learn more about the Pacific Humanitarian Warehousing Program: https://shorturl.at/kOnmF
Learn more about the World Food Programme: https://www.wfp.org
