PIANGO 4th PLANNING, IMPLEMENTATION, EVALUATION & REPORTING (PIMER) CONSULTATION
20-23 APRIL, 2008
SUVA, FIJI
Outcomes Statement
The PIANGO 4th Planning, Implementation, Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting (PIMER) Consultation was held at the Jovili Meo Mission Centre, Pacific Theological College, Suva, Fiji from 20-23 April, 2008.
The Consultation brought together Executive Directors of PIANGO’s National Liaison Units (NLUs) in 15 Pacific Member countries and territories, including PIANGO Board Members, donors and other partners. It noted, the reorganisation of the PIANGO Secretariat and the appointment of its new Executive Director.
The Consultation discussed and affirmed the commitment from NLUs to implement PIANGO’s revised PIMER framework and Strategic Plan 2006-2010. It heard presentations from NLUs on successful partnerships and activities, including challenges, priorities and lessons learned.
NLU Executive Directors agreed that PIANGO’s Graduate Diploma Programme (GDP) needed to be more accessible to, and inclusive of, countries in the Northern Pacific and in the Francophone territories. On the continuing high priority needed to be given to training at national and community levels, participants agreed that more training attachments and exchanges between NLUs should be facilitated to advance skills sharing and capacity building.
To facilitate communication and linkages, it was agreed that the Secretariat, and where appropriate, its Board Members, undertake more frequent in-country visits to NLUs. These would be conducted at times convenient to both parties and with clear Terms of Reference for each visit. In addition, and as part of an induction process, that new NLUs and new workshop participants be provided with a briefing paper on PIANGO and its operations.
Participants recognised the need for legal expertise to strengthen CSO legal frameworks utilising skilled Pacific Islanders.
The meeting concurred with a previous call by PRNGO’s that the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS) upgrade its current post of NSA Liaison Officer to Adviser level. It was also agreed that PIANGO begin discussions with the Commonwealth Foundation for a Pacific equivalent to be attached to the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat.
Participants noted the need expressed by NLUs for a staff member or volunteer to act as media liaison officer in their organisations, to ensure greater and accurate portrayal of organisations and issues in the mass media. The meeting identified the urgent need to address communications needs at the national level and agreed to seek more technical assistance as a result of the SPC Regional Media Centre training provided at the consultation.
The issue of core funding was repeatedly raised to ensure sustainability and to address high staff turnover. It was also agreed that MOUs with diversified funding sources needed to be explored to avoid NLUs having to rely heavily on government funding.
In response to country priorities identified by Members, the Consultation agreed that the Secretariat would refine and further consolidate its work programme for 2008-2009. In addition, the Secretariat would undertake an NLU needs assessment to identify support and resources required for capacity building. The Consultation also extensively discussed the PIANGO Constitution and suggested amendments in various areas.
It agreed on the tentative dates of 7-15 August, 2008 for the convening of the CSO Forum in Auckland. It also agreed, that as a cost-saving measure, the PIANGO Board and PIANGO Council would simultaneously convene in Auckland at this time. It acknowledged Niue as being the official host country of the Pacific Forum Leaders Meeting in August, and also acknowledged, with gratitude, the warm offer by the Niuean community in Auckland to be the hosts of the CSO Forum.
The Consultation, noted, with great appreciation, the financial contribution of NZAID toward funding the Consultation and PIANGO’s operations and activities over the next three years. It unanimously supported the NZAID Grant Funding Agreement and also supported PIANGO’s submission for EU funding via the EU Concept Note.
It noted the importance of partnerships with others such as AusAID, the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, the European Union and the Secretariat of the Pacific Community.
Suva, Fiji
