We are very pleased to welcome as a new Affiliate of the Federation the Pacific Community (SPC), which is the principal scientific and technical organisation in the Pacific region. The Pacific Community (SPC) is an international development organisation that is owned and governed by 26 country and territory members, which works across more than 20 sectors for the wellbeing of Pacific people through the effective and innovative application of science and knowledge, guided by a deep understanding of Pacific Island contexts and cultures. The organisation’s work is focussed on major cross-cutting issues, such as climate change, disaster risk management, food security, gender equality, human rights, non-communicable diseases and youth employment. It uses a multi-sector approach to address development priorities and supports the empowerment of Pacific communities and sharing of expertise.

The Human Rights and Social Development Division houses the SPC Culture for Development programme which provides technical assistance to SPC members with respect to their national and regional culture priorities, and supports the Pacific Regional Culture Strategy, the Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture, and the cultural and creative industries in the Pacific Islands.