The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Greece to establish a new supply chain centre in Thessaloniki, Greece. This state-of-the-art facility will enhance IOM's ability to deliver humanitarian aid swiftly and efficiently, reinforcing its commitment to timely, effective, and sustainable responses to crises around the world.
"This new centre reflects IOM's ambition to rethink how humanitarian logistics is done," said SungAh Lee, IOM Deputy Director General for Management and Reform, who signed the agreement in Athens alongside Greek Minister of Economy and Finance Kyriakos Pierrakakis.
"We are creating a space where expertise, innovation, and collaboration come together to strengthen how we respond to people's needs. Together, we can improve how aid reaches people, uphold the rights and dignity of migrants, and foster innovation in crisis response."
Strategically positioned at the crossroads of Europe, the Balkans, and the Middle East, Thessaloniki offers strong advantages in logistics and connectivity. Its rich history in trade and industry, along with its cultural diversity, make it an ideal base for IOM's humanitarian operations and a sign of IOM's intent to partner closely with the government and local businesses.
Since 2016, the Organization's procurement of goods and services has grown from approximately 500 million USD to 1.7 billion USD in 2024. With more than 2,000 staff now involved in supply chain management worldwide, the new centre aims to strengthen IOM's capacity to deliver timely and efficient humanitarian assistance.
The centre will focus on end-to-end supply chain optimization, from procurement to storage and distribution of aid. By leveraging technologies such as automation and real-time tracking, it will promote innovation, transparency, and environmentally sustainable logistics. Beyond operations, the facility will serve as a collaborative space for stakeholders to test solutions, improve delivery models, and strengthen a more agile and accountable global response system.
The centre marks a strategic step toward more effective humanitarian response, combining local engagement with global expertise and reaffirming IOM's commitment to a system that delivers with speed, responsibility, and respect for the rights and dignity of those in need.
