Following disasters in our region, Pacific Island countries have increasingly emphasised the need to build their disaster response capabilities and resilience while still working within regional support frameworks. Having relief supplies and frameworks in place for impacted communities is the premise behind the Pacific Humanitarian Warehousing Program (PHWP), a Pacific-led initiative implemented by the Pacific Community (SPC) spanning 15 countries in the region.
During the recent Programme Governance Committee meeting in Fiji in April, participating countries reviewed the progress of the first year of implementation. We've identified that some partners still need additional clarity on how the programme engages with countries. To address this, we're committed to working closely with these partners to enhance their understanding of our Pacific-led collaborative process.
The Conversation Starter
We begin with a Partner Participation Proposal (PPP). This initial consultation collects valuable information in the preparedness and response area, where countries share their experiences in responding to previous hazard events and existing disaster response frameworks to identify gaps. The PPP captures each country's unique situation—their existing capabilities, resources, current challenges, and opportunities for improvement.
Unlike traditional programmes with rigid timelines, this process is intentionally flexible. Pacific countries move at their own pace based on their priorities and can request support from the programme whenever needed. Some have complex systems already in place, while others are starting from scratch. Each approach is valid and respected with support contextualised to country needs.
Collaborative Assessment
Next, our team conducts in-country visits focused on genuine collaboration led by Pacific priorities. We consult everyone involved in disaster preparedness and response, from government officials to humanitarian partners and community leaders.
During these visits, we facilitate interactive workshops that encourage collaborative problem-solving, with all participants contributing to solutions that fit the local context. We've completed seven country engagements, including our recent mission to Cook Islands, where we gained valuable insights into the unique challenges of island logistics.
Following each visit, we develop a Country Mission Report highlighting key findings and a roadmap for engagement. This document captures our shared understanding of the current situation and future direction. It is reviewed by countries to ensure it accurately reflects national priorities and maintains Pacific ownership throughout the process.
Comprehensive Analysis and Action Planning
With this foundation, we comprehensively analyse the information received through the PPP process and in-country consultations. This primarily validates the data and develops a country’s risk profile. It expands on our collaborative findings to create a baseline understanding of each country's capabilities. Rather than overwhelm national teams with additional assessments, we leverage existing reports and fill gaps with targeted research.
This informs the Country Implementation Plan (CIP), a detailed roadmap spanning the next seven years. This plan outlines specific actions across our four programming pillars: storage infrastructure, supply management, systems development, and programme coordination. The CIP is a living document updated regularly and doesn't replace existing initiatives but complements and strengthens them, respecting each country's sovereignty and priorities.
Why This Pacific-Led Approach Works
Our engagement pathway is flexible and adaptive. While we aim to progress from initial consultations to the CIP within about four months, reality often differs. Some countries move through these steps quickly, especially when backed by strong political support, others need more time to build consensus or strategically plan—and that's perfectly acceptable.
What matters most is that Pacific countries lead the process while we provide requested support. We're committed to promoting locally-led development, ensuring gender equality and disability inclusion, and advancing climate-resilient solutions throughout.
The PHWP isn't just about building warehouses. It's also about empowering Pacific islands to be better prepared when disasters strike and communities receive support as early as possible. It's about Pacific-led collaboration to strengthen resilience and save lives when disasters hit.