Over 60 organisations join VANGO AGM to align CSO work with national goals
June 17, 2025 10:11 pm | Posted in Business News | Share now TwitterFacebook
By Doddy Morris.
Over 60 member organisations, including international and national Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and Community-Based Organisations (CBOs), gathered at the Ramada Resort last week to attend the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Vanuatu Association of Non-Governmental Organisations (VANGO).
VANGO reports it currently has over 230 registered members actively involved in development work across Vanuatu.
During the AGM, Mr. Willie Tokon, Chairman of VANGO, thanked all member organisations for their ongoing contributions to improving the lives of communities, especially through programmes in remote and hard-to-reach areas. He acknowledged their collective efforts in supporting the government’s National Sustainable Development Plan pillars—environmental, social, and economic.
A key feature of the AGM was the approval of the amended Code of Practice on Accountability and Transparency (CPAT) for Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in Vanuatu. This voluntary, self-regulatory code sets out best practices for governance, transparency, and accountability. It aims to improve CSO effectiveness and build trust with stakeholders through a shared commitment to ethical and open operations.
Another important item on the agenda was the introduction of a newly developed CSO reporting standards template. This tool is designed to strengthen VANGO’s capacity to capture, consolidate, and communicate the impact of CSO work within the national development framework. It aligns with Vanuatu’s National Sustainable Development Goals and supports closer collaboration between government and civil society.
The reporting template will also improve data collection on resource distribution across provinces and communities, while offering better insight into CSO presence and representation at the local level.
VANGO continues to work under its four core strategic pillars: 1. Institutional Strengthening of VANGO; 2. Promoting Good Governance; 3. Building Capacity and Strengthening Communication with Members; and 4. Strengthening CSO Voice, Advocacy, and Strategic Partnerships.
At the AGM, VANGO presented its Annual General Report, including independently audited financial statements. It encourages all member organisations to hold their own AGMs and present annual financial reports to uphold transparency, accountability, and responsible use of community development funds.
Mr. Tokon noted that VANGO will carry on improving its work through the active participation of members and will ensure Civil Society Organisations align with government priorities. He added that CSO practices should reflect VANGO’s Code of Minimum Standards for CSOs.
He also said VANGO is committed to improving coordination, raising the visibility of members, and building new partnerships with traditional pillars of Vanuatu society, including chiefs, churches, women’s groups, and youth organisations.
VANGO thanks all donors, partners, and members for their ongoing support throughout 2024 and looks forward to deepening collaboration and partnerships in 2025.
