Pacific Region Hub
The name of the hub - "Humanitarian FALE" (Facility Aiding Locally-led Engagement) is deeply rooted in the Pacific. The word "fale" refers to a house that is meaningful and has a purpose when people occupy it. The Pacific Humanitarian FALE is working to engage locally led humanitarian actors so that they can provide services that ensure the lives of people are safeguarded in any crisis.
2021 Progress
Climate change remains the single greatest threat to the livelihoods, security, and well-being of the peoples of the Pacific. The impact of climate change has been drastic, triggering increasing Category 5 cyclones, tsunamis, king waves, droughts and floods. The Pacific Hub recognises the role of local civil society organisations as first responders who are often left behind by governments, which tend to give preference to UN agencies and INGOs.
To strengthen the network, PIANGO brought in other actors to join the hub’s existing structure and expand its membership. This was the organisation’s focus in 2021. It convened the network, engaging with other actors and stakeholders to define the structure of an expanded hub.
PIANGO also used its wide network to gather data for two papers on locally led action by the Humanitarian Advisory Group. The papers measured the progress of locally led action in the Pacific, demonstrated PIANGO’s experience in partnerships, and showed the impact of research on local action in the Pacific region.
It’s about time. it’s about time we push back. If you want to support us, let us take the lead.EMELINE SIALE ILOLAHIA, PIANGO, Pacific Hub
Future Plans
Over the coming year, the Pacific region Hub plans to:
- Further localise the hub by establishing mini-hubs (called mini-FALEs) in four Pacific Island countries: Fiji, Tonga, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu. It will support these mini hubs in setting up their own governance and coordination functions that will drive greater locally led response and action in solidarity with local communities.
- Pilot a community-led approach to monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and learning. This will support affected communities to be the agents and targets of learning. To improve evaluation and learning from crises and response, it will use indigenous Pacific island approaches to dialogue and discuss with communities.
- Formalise governance structures of the hub and encourage a wider set of local, national, and international stakeholders to be involved in the hub process.
HUB LEADERSHIP
The Pacific Islands Association of Nongovernmental Organisations (PIANGO) serves as the secretariat for the hub, bringing together civil society members across all 24 countries and territories in the Pacific region.
Emeline Siale Ilolahia, PIANGO
Akmal Ellyas Ali, PIANGO