CSOs work to strengthen coordination and reporting with Gov’t

Apr 7, 2025 | News | 0

A Civil Society Organisation (CSO) stakeholder meeting was held at The Melanesian Hotel this week to discuss strategies for improving the alignment of CSOs with the National Sustainable Development Plan (NSDP).

Shirley Abraham, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Vanuatu Association of Non-Governmental Organisations (VANGO), said the purpose of the meeting was to bring together VANGO member NGOs, the NGO desk at the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and the Department of Sector Strategy, Building, and Planning under the Prime Minister’s Office. The objective was to promote collaboration and establish a mechanism to capture the contributions of NGOs in Vanuatu within a government reporting framework.

“VANGO currently has nearly 200 member NGOs operating across various provinces in Vanuatu, with around 40 of these organisations represented at the meeting,” CEO Abraham noted. “Many communities witness different NGOs working in their areas, and this meeting provides a platform to engage the government in discussions on improving coordination and reporting mechanisms. NGOs work across multiple sectors, including education, child protection, climate change, and health. In times of disaster, NGOs are often the first responders.”

Dr Willie Tokon, CEO of Transparency International Vanuatu (TIV) and Chairman of the VANGO Board of Directors, emphasised the importance of strengthening partnerships with the NGO desk at the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MOIA). He said it is important to have an efficient reporting system to ensure that government reports reflect the fundamental contributions made by CSOs and NGOs, particularly in remote areas where government services may not reach.

“The government recognises the valuable work carried out by CSOs and NGOs, but without proper reporting structures, their contributions are not adequately documented. This meeting aims to establish a standardised reporting template to ensure that all NGO activities in communities are properly recorded and acknowledged,” Tokon said.

He added that NGOs and CSOs play a decisive role in implementing government policies at the grassroots level. The meeting aimed to develop a structured reporting process to ensure these contributions are included in national development reports and that government support for CSO efforts is enhanced.

VANGO, as the umbrella body for NGOs and CSOs in Vanuatu, has been actively working on mapping the presence and activities of these organisations nationwide. “NGOs are critical in implementing policies related to education, human rights, health, and other essential services. The government, through DESPAC, is now working closely with VANGO to ensure proper coordination and support,” Tokon added. “A well-structured reporting system will allow for better integration of NGO efforts into government planning and resource allocation.”

Johnson Simon, who oversees the NGO desk under the Corporate Division at the MOIA, acknowledged the increasing role of local and international NGOs in community development and disaster response. He stressed the need for government records to accurately reflect the contributions of these organisations.

“In government reporting, we often focus on large-scale plans and overlook the direct impact NGOs have on communities, particularly in remote areas. This stakeholder meeting is essential for developing a framework to ensure proper documentation and inclusion of NGO contributions in the NSDP 2030,” Simon explained. “Currently, reports from organisations such as Save the Children Vanuatu are submitted through specific ministries, like the Ministry of Education. However, our goal is to establish a direct reporting mechanism to the government to ensure that the work of NGOs is fully recognised.”

CEO Abraham reinforced the call for a robust reporting system, noting that while the government formulates policies, it is often NGOs that take the lead in implementing them.

“VANGO believes that much of the work done by NGOs is not adequately reflected in government reports. Establishing a formalised reporting structure will ensure their contributions are acknowledged and integrated into national development planning,” she said.

SOURCE: VANUATU DAILY POST

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