The Human Development Programme (HDP) is part of the Social Resources Division of SPC. It was formed by a merger of the Community Education and Training Centre (CETC), and the former Cultural Affairs Programme, Pacific Youth Bureau and Pacific Women’s Bureau.

The SPC Human Development Programme (HDP) works to improve people’s opportunities for safe, secure and sustainable livelihoods. The HDP has a particular focus on bringing gender, youth, culture and community education to the forefront of development.

The Programme aims to nurture an all-inclusive approach across all sectors to maximise the development potential of the entire community and help people achieve a better quality of life. The promotion of cultural industries is a key priority of the department.

Examples of activities:
- Work with governments, non-government agencies and communities to promote more balanced and people-centred development
- Improve data and statistics on human development issues
- Undertake research on emerging issues such as gender based violence and child abuse
- Provide training to strengthen community-based approaches
- Assist with regional and international events such as the Festival of Pacific Arts and the Pacific Youth Festival