PIANGO

PIANGO celebrates Vanuatu Independence and stands in solidarity for a free West Papua

PIANGO Executive Director Emeline Ilolahia says despite the social and economic impact of Covid-19 in the region, Ni-Van’s demonstrated a society with a strong cultural well-being which includes their solidarity for a Free West Papua.

Ms Ilolahia says that Vanuatu is the only Pacific country that has been constantly sponsoring the self-determination of West Papua at the regional and international level and this was evident in today’s victory march.

“Their consistency and approach is commendable,” Ms Ilolahia said.

More action needed on localisation of humanitarian aid

At the same time, Localisation needs to link to the Framework for Resilient Development in the Pacific.

This was highlighted at the Australasian Aid Conference, in Canberra last week by a panel session led by Pacific Islands Association of Non-Governmental Organisation (PIANGO) Executive Director Emele Duituturaga.

The discussion titled “Tracking Progress on World Humanitarian Summit Commitments in the Pacific” reflected on research that has been done in the humanitarian community and what the evidence is saying.

Push for united coalition in climate fight

Addressing Pacific leaders at the Climate Action Pacific Partnership Conference talanoa session at the Great Council of Chiefs Complex in Fiji’s capital, Pacific Islands Association of Non-Governmental Organisations executive director Emele Duituturaga said leaders and stakeholders need to stand united against the world’s big carbon emitters.

 “We need to agree on key messages; identify our respective target audiences and develop inside/outside strategies,” she said.

Push for Pacific coalition on climate displacement

And the coalition should not only include Pacific island governments but civil societies and the private sector.

Commending island leaders for their efforts on the issue, Pacific Islands Association of Non-Governmental Organisations (PIANGO) executive director Emele Duituturaga told the conference in Funafuti, Tuvalu, that it affects everyone in the Pacific and required a concerted effort by all.

VANGO acknowledges PIANGO support for new board

Lai Sakita is a veteran civil society activist and is not new to the role, he has already served six terms in the VANGO office.

“We are very grateful for the support that PIANGO has shown towards our nee Board and their commitment in assisting us in the process of the resurrection of our organisation. PIANGO’s support is very important to us, they are our regional organisation and we need them to advocate on our behalf on certain critical issues” added Sakita.

Vanuatu workshop targets climate change, NCD and population

Pacific Islands Farmers Organisation (PIFON) coordinator Kyle Stice said the three-day event would focus on key issues being faced by Pacific farmers, including further exploring a more practical approach to research and major challenges affecting productivity.

Fiji Times reports the event will focus on various themes including 'Pacific Women in Agriculture', which aims to inspire more female farmers and to explore more innovative ways of empowering women in the agricultural sector.

Sustain Voices of Pacific Youth and Nurture Leadership- PIANGO

These comments were made by the Pacific Islands Association of Non-Governmental Organisations (PIANGO) Executive Director, Emele Duituturaga during a panel discussion on PYC’s role in the Pacific development discourse at a PYC Partners Roundtable meeting this week. 

Duituturaga said that PIANGO had begun developing a next generation leadership program in 2016 with the intention of ensuring sustainability of civil society efforts in the Pacific. 

NGOs called to re-think approach to Pacific aid

The governing council of the Pacific Islands Association of NGOs, or PIANGO, meets next week and just ahead of that the organisation has met with Polynesian NGOs.

PIANGO's executive director, Emele Duituturaga, said new research shows that NGOs typically undermine traditional values and spirituality and this is increasingly upsetting communities.

"I think the model we have been forced to embrace, with a cash economy coming into the Pacific and now basically with the macroeconomics models that we are having, it is all about cash," she said.

VANGO stands in solidarity with PIANGO on West Papua

The VANGO support was expressed by the Chairperson of the Vanuatu national NGO group Ms Lind Peter in an email to PIANGO Executive Director Ms Emele Duituturaga, who is currently in Pohnpei, FSM, where they have held the Civil Society Organisations (CSO) Forum on the eve of the 47th Pacific Islands Forum leaders meeting.

In her media briefing earlier in the week, Ms Duituturaga made PIANGO’s stand on West Papua clear – that the issue was no long a matter for the Melanesian Spearhead Group nor the PIF leaders; but rather a United Nations issue.

PIPSO, PIANGO become PIDF members

The Pacific Islands Private Sector Organisation (PIPSO) and the Pacific Islands Association of Non-Governmental Organisations (PIANGO) signed the PIDF Charter on Monday.

“For a long time now, CSOs and NGOs have been knocking on the doors of Government. We have been pushing at the regional level for the inclusion and recognition of civil societies,” said Emele Duituturaga, the Executive Director for PIANGO.

For both parties, this enables them to further the work that they do.