The Pacific Community (SPC) and the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) convened a Partnering Dialogue this week in Suva to reflect on more than three decades of collaboration and explore new ways of working together for greater regional impact.
The two-day dialogue brought together senior representatives from SPC’s Land Resources Division and Fisheries, Aquaculture and Marine Ecosystems Division, alongside the ACIAR Pacific team.
Facilitated by partnership brokers Ale and Kate, the session created a “third space” a neutral and reflective environment for both organisations to examine why and how they partner, rather than simply what they do.
Through open and structured discussions, participants revisited the evolution of the partnership, from the 2018 Strategic Partnership Agreement to the current 2022–2026 Memorandum of Arrangement and acknowledged the need to rebalance relationships.
They reflected on opportunities to renew mutual accountability, coherence across projects, and alignment with the SPC–Government of Australia Strategic Partnership Framework 2024–2033, which emphasises shared Pacific priorities, climate resilience, and people-centred development.
SPC Land Resources Division Director, Ms Karen Mapusua, said, “SPC and ACIAR have worked together for a long time, so these two days were an opportunity to deepen that partnership, work out what we can both bring to the table in service of the Pacific people and trying to put all the people that we serve in the middle of the conversation so that we are better able to bring our strengths and work together.”
ACIAR Acting CEO, Dr Suzie Newman, said, "SPC and ACIAR have had a longstanding partnership. Today, we have spent time reflecting on what the partnership looks like today and what it could look like in the future. Central to that is the development of a common goal for our partnership. I think as we walk away from this workshop, we will be able to focus on some key actions that will look to build a stronger and more effective partnership.”
Over the two days, the group developed a deeper understanding of each organisation’s drivers and context, imagined possible futures for the partnership, and began shaping shared goals, principles, and behaviours to guide a healthier and more effective engagement.
The October session marks the first step in a year-long process. A mid-point virtual check-in is planned for March 2026, followed by a final gathering in October 2026, where SPC and ACIAR will co-develop recommendations for their respective executives and explore the creation of a joint “Ways of Working” framework.
By re-centring the relationship on shared purpose, respect, and complementarity, the SPC-ACIAR Partnering Dialogue establishes a strong foundation for a renewed partnership that is both strategic and enduring, one that enables the two institutions to achieve more together for Pacific people and communities.