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PIANGO Monthly 2.2

The production of the PIANGO MONTHLY is made possible through funding from the Commonwealth Foundation and CCFD

Editorial

Much of the work that the PIANGO Secretariat has been pre-occupied with for the last 4 months involved discussions and documentation of the proposed PIANGO Council. The week-long meeting (from the 25th to the 30th of July 1999, will be taken up mainly by the PIANGO Strategic planning and Capacity Building workshop. (More information in the next issue of PIANGO MONTHLY).

NGOs and Reform

For all countries within the Pacific region who have opted for Comprehensive Reform or Readjustment Programs to 'improves' conditions within the respective states, the road has not been easy.

Vanuatu opted for a Comprehensive Reform Program beginning sometime in early 1997. As part of the requirement for 'rightsizing' the public sector, the Government has so far made redundant 489 employees, with another 110 still to go. A total of more than US$3 million (borrowed mainly from the Asian Development Bank) has been spent on the redundancy packages.

While many NGOs within Vanuatu have voiced concern over the alleged 'imported reform model', attempts have and continue to be made to ensure that the views and concerns of the NGOs' constituencies are heard. A contentious issue between NGOs and Government has been the creation of the Government/NGO Task Force which some NGOs view as an imposition by the Government. There is however, wide acceptance that a formal mechanism of regular dialogue between both entities be fostered. PIANGO has been requested by the Government of Vanuatu to assist in the process.

(For more information, contact the PIANGO Secretariat)

NANG-PNG Has New Executive Director

The National Alliance of Non-Government Organisations Papua New Guinea (NANGO-PNG) has a new Executive Director. He is Joseph Gesomo Silipin of Yangoru in the East Sepik Province of Papua New Guinea.

Mr. Silipin is a graduate of the University of Technology in Lae and was until his appointment to NANGO-PNG, the executive director of another NGO in Papua New Guinea, Business Enterprise Support Team (BEST).

On his appointment, Mr. Silipin said that he was well aware of the big task ahead of him to maintain the NANGO-PNG network and the importance NGO's generally had to play in bringing about national development.

"I want NGO's to be involved in nation building in a meaningful way. Gone are the days when all we were accused of was good talk. We have to be seen to be doing as well as talking”, he said.

Mr. Silipin brings with him a wealth of experience mainly in management, fundraising and networking. NANGO-PNG Secretariat will be further boosted with an appointment of an information officer and a program shortly.

Mr. Silipin replaces long serving Wilhelm Zongonao who did not seek a further term in office.

PIANGO welcomes Mr. Silipin into the network and acknowledges the work that Mr. Zongonao, the out-going Director has offered to the NGO community both within Papua New Guinea and the region. We wish you both well in your future endeavours.

Melanesian NGO Leader's Consultation

Port Moresby, 2-3 February 1999
Organizers:International Forum for Capacity Building (IFCB), and ASPBAE (Asia-South Pacific Bureau for Adult Education)

The main purpose of the meeting was to:
  • Introduce IFCB to Melanesian NGOs
  • Enable Consultation on Capacity Building needs and priorities within Melanesia
  • Evolve a process of follow-up in IFCB

Overview: An overview of the meeting was given by Dr. Rajesh Tandon, Chairperson, IFCB for Southern NGOs and President of ASPBAE. Dr. Tandon informed the participants that a meeting is also scheduled for Polynesian Consultation later during the year. Dr. Tandon expressed IFCB's desire for a system of consultation between Northeren NGOs and Southern NGOs so that “gaps” are addressed.

Mr. Baenesia, in his opening remarks, gave an overview of the goals of PIANGO and welcomed the opportunity to be able to pool limited resources together within the Melanesian region in order to address Capacity Building issues.

Joe Ogaie shared Mr. Baenesia's views. Joe attended the consultation wearing two hats; PIANGO Management Working Group Convener; and Pacific Representative of the IFCB. Joe re-iterated that PIANGO has set directions for itself focussing initially on strengthening of the Secretariat and then moving out to assist in institutional building of member NGOs.

Maria Khan, Secretary General of ASPBAE stressed that focus should be on areas where IFCB/ASPBAE/PIANGO may be able to work together to address Capacity Building issues within the region.

Melanesian NGO consultation participants: Fiji, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, West Papua. Members and affiliates of PIANGO from Melanesia that attended included VANGO, DSE, NANGO, Abraham Baenesia (CC member), Joe Ogaie, Management Working Group Convener, and PIANGO Coordinator

see the 1999 Secretariat Report for further information