Achieving the MDGS – the role of NGOs

Samoa Umbrella for Non-Governmental Organisations(SUNGO)

The Declaration commits Governments to:

“give greater opportunities to the private sector, NGOs and civil society in general, to

contribute to the realization of the Organisations goals and programmes”.

What are the NGOs doing?

1. Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger.

- South Pacific Business Development

- Women in Business Development

- Lagomeli Society

2. Achieve universal primary education.

- National Council for Early Childhood Education

- Loto Taumafai, Aoga Fiamalamalama

What are the NGOs doing?

3. Promote gender equality and empower women.

- Mapusaga o Aiga- National Council of Women

4. Reduce child mortality. & 5. Improve maternal health.

- Komiti Tumama- Samoa Nurses Association- Samoa Family Health Association

What are the NGOs doing?

6. Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases - Red Cross

- YMCA7. Ensure environmental sustainability

- O Le Siosiomaga Society- Faasao Savaii- METI

8. Develop a global partnership for development- SUNGO

The Campaign…..

Series of 3 – 4 TV programs highlighting:

- what the MDGs are and how they relate to Samoa

- what selected NGOs are doing to contribute to the Goals

- how individuals can be involved

The Campaign…..

Booklet for distribution to Government and other stakeholders containing awareness raising materials based on the TV programs and encouraging all sectors to internalise that MDGs and make them our own.

The Campaign…..

A series of (2 or 3) multi stake holder workshops to discuss the possibility of developing a submission to Government to adopt modified MDGs more specific to Samoa and setting the goal higher if/where appropriate.

Why do a campaign?

Affirmation of the work of NGOs

Acknowledge what has been achieved so far

Raise awareness amongst Government, community and other stakeholders on the work of NGOs

Why do a campaign?

Raise awareness that international agreements impact on and should involve communities

Encourage civil society participation in the MDG campaign to ensure it doesn’t become just an exercise in report writing.

What will the outcomes be?

Greater general awareness of the MDGs and what they mean to Samoa.

Greater awareness of how NGOs are contributing to development in Samoa

Lobbying point for adapting MDGs and setting Samoa specific targets

What will the outcomes be?

Identification of areas where NGOs are not working or could work better so projects and programs can be developed to fill these gaps and assist Samoa meet and exceed the Millennium Development Goals.