Pacific Islands Association of NGOs (PIANGO)

1. Pacific Governance Network MeetingPacific Governance Network Meeting USP Laucala Campus, Fiji1st – 2nd December 2008Civil Society Perspective Presented by BakaneboTamaroaExecutive Director - PIANGO

2. Pacific Islands Association of NGOs (PIANGO) The Pacific Islands Association of Non-Governmental Organizations (PIANGO) is a regional network of national umbrella NGOs. It has 22 focal points or coordinating bodies known as National Liaison Unites (NLUs) in 21 Pacific Island countries and non-self-governing countries. PIANGO was formally established in 1991 to assist NGOs in the Pacific to initiate action, give voice to their concerns and work collaboratively with other development actors for just and sustainable human development. PIANGO has four areas of strategic focus to guide towards achieving its vision and mission: Sharing Information, Capacity Building, Strengthening Key Relationships and Ensuring Quality Performance.

3. Geographical Coverage of the PIANGO Family of NGOs Saipan Palau Guam Hawai Timor Leste

4. Governance Governance can be understood by Civil Society’s perspective when trying to answer the following questions: • Who mandates NGOs/CSOs? • Whom NGOs/CSOs are accountable to? • What are the basis for NGO/CSO existence? • Do NGOs have a role and responsibility to Contribute to the Welfare of the people? • If so, what are they and who check that they are doing it well or not?

5. Who Mandates CSOs/NGOs??? Freedom of Expression and Freedom of Forming Groups & Associations What are the basis for NGO/CSO existence? Why they exist? Individuals who have the passion and courage to form an association base on the need they see and want to address as a group or association. The most significant example is women coming together fighting for their right, some people coming together to support the right of children, etc.

6. What are the basis for NGO/CSO existence? Why they exist? Vision Strong and Effective NGO and Civil Society sector for a Just and Peaceful Pacific Community Mission Statement • PIANGO exists to enable the Pacific extended family of NGOs to effectively promote and advance the interests and well-being of Pacific people. • More specifically, PIANGO is a network of Pacific NGOs, existing to facilitate communication, provide a common voice at regional and international Forums, strengthen Pacific forms of social action, and improve the well-being of the communities NGOs serve.

7. This diagram below may not define Governance but demonstrate Good Governance. PIANGO Structure • PIANGO only exist because of its members (NLUs) • PIANGO is the only membership NGO in the Pacific Region • PIANGO is accountable to its Board and Members PIANGO Council 7 Board Members PIANGO Secretariat National Liaison Units NGOs, CBOs, FBOs

9. Do NGOs have a role and responsibility to Contribute to the Welfare of the people? It is generally agreed that civil society plays an important role in strengthening the democratic process and implementing democratic initiatives. As important actors in society, NGOs make valuable contributions to social and economic progress and serve the public good in various ways. They offer citizens an opportunity to contribute intellectual resources or necessary services to their community and country.

10. Good Governance in Practice by Civil Society’s Perspective is having and live by the following documents and practices • Charitable Trust Acts or Incorporated Societies Act • Constitutions • Code of Ethics • Policies and Procedures • Sound Financial Management System • Annual Narrative and Audited Financial Account for its Board, Donors and Development Partners • Council Meeting or AGM for members where they select Board of Directors • Regular Board Meetings where the secretariat reports on activities/outputs/outcomes • Regular staff meetings to Plan, Implement, Monitor, Evaluate and Report

11. In Summary Good Governance is? • There should be ground rules for a productive relationship between the Board and management that permits the NGO to act in the best interests of its constituency. (Peace Corps Volunteers - • Values, Beliefs and Principles of a community serves the basis of Good Governance. That is to say a transparent decision-making process in which a leadership of an NGO/CSO in an effective and accountable way, direct resources and exercises power on the basis of shared values, principles and beliefs. (Marylin Wayatt 2004) • The absolute exercise of duty of care for those whom you have chosen to serve. It is the practice of leadership. Leadership- serving people effectively and efficiently. At the heart of leadership is the people it serves. A true leader feels the pain of his/her people and responds accordingly. (PIANGO Melanesian Sub-Regional Meeting in Nadi from 26th – 29th November 2008)

12. In regard to the posed questions What are the latest trends in governance in your area of work? • PIANGO is now in its consolidation stage, looking at clear roles and responsibilities between secretariat, board and National Liaison Units • Coordinating & executing the Graduate Diploma Courses for –not –for-profit organizations to capacity NGO workers and leaders • Organizing in-country trainings on policy analyst and advocacy, financial management and sustainability, legal and regulatory frameworks and M & E for our members and the NGO Sector. What are your key projects for 2009? • Sharing Information and Communication – Pacific Media Assistance Scheme • Capacity Building of members and NGO Sector • Strengthening Key Stakeholders Relations • Ensuring Quality Performance within the secretariat What can the network do to assist you most? • Promote our work by sharing to other stakeholders • Feed and inform PIANGO of current issues related to Governace What can you offer to the network? • share info about the PGN to our network • Provide and share news and issues that may benefit PGN Partners

13. Thank you very muchPlease visit our revamped website for further info re PIANGOwww.piango.org