- Acronym: SPC
- Type: Intergovernmental Organization
- Membership: 26 member countries and territories
- Establishment: Established on 6 February 1947
- Official Language(s): English, French
- Headquarters: Nouméa, New Caledonia
The Pacific Community (SPC) is a leading scientific and technical organization in the Pacific region, serving the development needs of its Pacific island members through a broad range of sectors including public health, geoscience, agriculture, forestry, water resources, and more.
Pacific Community History
The Pacific Community was established as the South Pacific Commission by six countries – Australia, France, New Zealand, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and the United States – in 1947. Its initial focus was to restore stability and promote welfare in territories in the South Pacific region. Over the years, the organization evolved to include more member states and expanded its scope of work to address various developmental challenges faced by the Pacific island countries and territories.
Pacific Community Structure
The Pacific Community operates under a strategic plan that outlines its mission and objectives. The structure includes:
- The Conference of the Pacific Community: The highest decision-making body that sets the organization’s policies.
- The Committee of Representatives of Governments and Administrations (CRGA): A governing body that meets annually to approve the work plan and budget.
- The Secretariat: Headed by a Director-General, it is responsible for implementing the organization’s work plan and providing technical assistance to its members.
Pacific Community Membership
The Pacific Community consists of 26 Pacific island countries and territories, along with four founding members (Australia, France, New Zealand, and the United States).
Pacific Community Objectives
Sustainable Development
The SPC aims to foster sustainable development in the Pacific region in sectors like agriculture, forestry, fisheries, water resources, and more.
Technical Assistance and Expertise
SPC provides technical assistance, training, and expertise to its members to address complex regional challenges.
Data and Monitoring
The organization focuses on providing accurate data, research, and monitoring services to help its members make informed decisions.
Pacific Community Funding
The Pacific Community is funded through direct contributions from its member countries and territories, along with grants and project-specific funding from numerous international partners and agencies.
Pacific Community Projects
Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability
SPC implements various projects to combat climate change, promote environmental sustainability, and manage natural resources.
Public Health Initiatives
SPC undertakes initiatives to improve public health standards, combat communicable diseases, and promote healthy lifestyles in the Pacific region.
Education and Capacity Building
The organization emphasizes education and capacity building by providing training, resources, and support to educational institutions and governments.
Pacific Community Members
Full Members (Countries and Territories)
- American Samoa
- Australia
- Cook Islands
- Federated States of Micronesia
- Fiji
- France
- French Polynesia
- Guam
- Kiribati
- Marshall Islands
- Nauru
- New Caledonia
- New Zealand
- Niue
- Northern Mariana Islands
- Palau
- Papua New Guinea
- Pitcairn Islands
- Samoa
- Solomon Islands
- Tokelau
- Tonga
- Tuvalu
- United States
- Vanuatu
- Wallis and Futuna
The Pacific Community remains a pivotal institution in the Pacific, dedicated to addressing contemporary developmental challenges through collective action, scientific research, and shared knowledge, thereby promoting the sustainable development and well-being of Pacific peoples.
