IOM Launches New Supply Chain Hub in Thessaloniki to Boost Global Humanitarian Response
Thessaloniki, Greece – In a strategic move to significantly enhance its capacity for delivering life-saving aid, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) has officially launched a new supply chain hub in Thessaloniki, Greece. This state-of-the-art facility, established through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with the Greek government, aims to revolutionize humanitarian logistics and ensure swifter, more efficient, and sustainable responses to crises worldwide.
Rethinking Humanitarian Logistics
The new Thessaloniki centre reflects IOM's commitment to "rethink how humanitarian logistics is done," as stated by SungAh Lee, IOM Deputy Director General for Management and Reform, during the signing ceremony in Athens. The facility is designed to be a hub where "expertise, innovation, and collaboration come together to strengthen how we respond to people's needs."
With over 2,000 staff now involved in supply chain management globally, this new center is poised to bolster IOM's ability to provide timely and effective humanitarian assistance. Its focus extends beyond mere operations, emphasizing end-to-end supply chain optimization, from the initial procurement of goods to their efficient storage and final distribution to communities in need.
A Collaborative Space for Innovation
Beyond its primary function as a logistical powerhouse, the Thessaloniki hub will serve as a vital collaborative space for various stakeholders. Here, partners can test new solutions, refine delivery models, and collectively contribute to a more agile and accountable global response system. This approach combines local engagement with global expertise, reaffirming IOM's dedication to a system that prioritizes speed, responsibility, and respect for the rights and dignity of migrants and displaced populations.
The establishment of this hub marks a strategic step towards a more effective humanitarian response, promising to improve how aid reaches vulnerable people around the world.
