Welkam long NGO Desk blong Gavman blong Vanuatu!
I am pleased to welcome you to the official website of the Non-Government Organisation (NGO) Desk, established in 2017 under the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Government of the Republic of Vanuatu. The NGO Desk serves as an important link between the Government, non-government organisations (NGOs), the Vanuatu Association of NGOs (VANGO), Vanuatu Christian Council of Churches, provincial and municipal authorities, development partners and communities throughout Vanuatu. Our role is to facilitate information sharing, strengthen coordination, promote accountability and ensure that development initiatives respond to the needs and priorities of our people. .
The Government recognises NGOs as important development partners that contribute to community development, humanitarian assistance, social services, environmental protection, climate resilience and the improvement of livelihoods across our islands. Through collaboration and effective coordination, we can strengthen the delivery of development assistance and ensure that communities, particularly those in remote and vulnerable areas, are not left behind.
The NGO Desk works to align NGO activities with the Vanuatu National Sustainable Development Plan 2016–2030 (NSDP) and the Government’s national development priorities. We encourage NGOs to coordinate their proposed projects with the relevant provincial and municipal authorities and follow the applicable government procedures for project submission, consultation and endorsement before implementation. These processes help improve transparency, reduce duplication of activities, promote the effective use of resources and ensure that development assistance reaches the communities that need it most.
The NGO Desk works in partner with the VANGO Board, an Umbrella which coordinates all the NGOs in the country to ensure all NGOs are meeting the priority needs of the Government that is leaving no one behind. I am taking this time on behalf of the Government to thank all the NGOs and developing partners for their contributions during the past disasters and looking forward in working together for any future crises. I hope you make use of all the information’s available in this website and please do not hesitate to contact us if need assistance.
Our partnership with VANGO, as the national umbrella organisation representing and coordinating civil society organisations, is essential to strengthening communication between the Government and the NGO sector. Working together with provincial governments, local authorities, development partners and community representatives, we can improve coordination and support inclusive, sustainable and community-driven development across all six provinces of Vanuatu. I would also like to express the Government’s sincere appreciation to all NGOs, civil society organisations, volunteers and development partners for their continued contributions to our communities, particularly during natural disasters, humanitarian emergencies and other times of national need. Your commitment and service demonstrate the importance of partnership and solidarity in building a stronger and more resilient Vanuatu.
As we move forward, the NGO Desk remains committed to strengthening the relationship between the Government and the NGO sector through improved information sharing, policy development, consultation, coordination and compliance with relevant government policies and legislation. I encourage you to make full use of the information and resources available on this website. Whether you are an NGO seeking guidance, a development partner looking to coordinate assistance, a provincial or municipal authority planning community development, or a member of the public seeking information, we welcome your engagement. Together, let us work towards a more coordinated, transparent, accountable and inclusive development partnership, ensuring that no island, no community and no person is left behind.
Thank you for your continued partnership and commitment to the development of Vanuatu.