The Pacific Islands Association of Non-Governmental Organisation (PIANGO) has been granted Special consultative status by the United Nations.

PIANGO ‘s acceptance to engage with the UN’s Economic and Social Council and its subsidiary bodies was announced by the new UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative, Fiji, Sanaka Samarasinha, in his first public engagement soon after presenting his credentials to Fiji President Major-General (Ret’d) Jioji Konrote last week.

Samarasinha says PIANGO’s ECOSOC status was a milestone achievement for civil society in the region.

At a special function attended by representatives of UN Agencies, Government officials, CSO representatives and PIANGO’s affiliates from around the Pacific at the Tanoa International Hotel in Nadi last week, he noted the voices of the Pacific’s people’s would be amplified on the world stage.

ECOSOC is the UN’s central platform for reflection, debate, and innovative thinking on sustainable development.It deals with economic, social, cultural, health, human rights, fundamental freedoms and also coordinates the work of the UN and its specialised agencies

Gaining ECOSOC status allows PIANGO to be informed about the provisional agenda of the Economic and Social Council. PIANGO may request the Secretary-General through the Committee of NGOs to place items of special interest in the provisional agenda of Council.

PIANGO executive director Emele Duituturaga says its great news for the people of the Pacific.

_“It’s a big step forward for all of us, our NLUs and the Pacific,” she said while paying tribute to some former and current staff of PIANGO.

“Many have contributed to this achievement and it is a personal joy and privilege to be in leadership at such a time as this.

Fiji Council of Social Services executive director Vani Catanasiga expressed delight at PIANGO’s achievement, saying this was particularly timely as Fiji prepares to submit and present its VNR report to the UN in New York in July 2019.

Priscilla Kare, the PNG affiliate representative, said PIANGO’s status meant that regional and national CSOs could now register for UN meetings under PIANGO’s accreditation status, without having to look for others as it has always done in the past 27 years since its set up.