ConnectChains Conference 2025

Third edition of the event on humanitarian supply chain management to take place in Berlin on December 4. Logistics Hall of Fame event promotes networking between industry and humanitarian organizations that are redesigning their processes.

Rethink, diversify, redesign – these are the three strategic areas of focus for humanitarian organizations facing unprecedented challenges brought on by shifting global priorities. ConnectChains – The Humanitarian Supply Chain Conference, taking place in Berlin on December 4, 2025, will provide an opportunity to explore how organizations can strengthen efficiency through process reviews and technology, deepen collaboration with a multitude of partnerships, and empower local organizations. 
The one-day event, organized by the Logistics Hall of Fame at the Bertelsmann Repräsentanz, is co-sponsored by Fritz Institute and the Port of Duisburg (duisport). The third edition of the annual conference offers a unique platform for knowledge exchange and networking, bringing together representatives of established logistics companies, academia, policy institutions, and key actors in the humanitarian sector. 

Prompted by the financial pressures of 2025, many humanitarian organizations are rethinking their strategies particularly in the area of supply chain management where they must do more with less by using more streamlined processes and innovative technologies. “Robust discussions are anticipated as many organizations are eager to form new types of partnerships to address the challenges ahead. They are specifically seeking contact with business representatives in order to establish pro-bono partnerships but are also requesting paid logistics services,” says Thilo Jorgl, conference director and jury chairman of the Lynn C. Fritz Medal for Excellence Humanitarian Logistics.

Key highlights of the program include the presentation of findings from the “Future of Humanitarian Logistics” survey, conducted by Prof. Dr. Sander de Leeuw of Wageningen University & Research in cooperation with Mitsuko Mizushima of Fritz Institute and the Logistics Hall of Fame, as well as insights from the CHORD research project on humanitarian logistics advancement led by Prof. Dr. Mojtaba Salem from Kuehne Logistics University.

Participants will also hear from Welthungerhilfe on the Emergency Supply Prepositioning Strategy (ESUPS) project, whose STOCKHOLM platform connects over 120 stakeholders to improve global stockpile management. For this innovation, Welthungerhilfe has been awarded the 2025 Lynn C. Fritz Medal for Excellence in Humanitarian Logistics. Since its inauguration in 2023, the medal has honored groundbreaking contributions to humanitarian logistics. Previous winners include International Medical Corps (USA) and Strategies for Northern Development (Kenya).

For more information about the conference, visit https://www.logisticshalloffame.net/en/events/connectchains-conference-2025