Non Government Organizations (NGOs) from Fiji, Samoa, Vanuatu, Tonga and the Marshall Islands, meeting in Nadi today have called for a greater NGO role in Pacific Governments annual Budget processes. They have also put a strong case to have this participation properly funded by Government so that the voice of people in poverty and other disadvantaged groups may be heard at all points in the budget process.

Mr Michael Raper, President of the South East Asia and Pacific Region of the International Council on Social Welfare (ICSW) said that NGOs have a very important role to play in both helping governments formulate their Budget and in monitoring implementation to make sure that the money gets to those who need it most. Speaking at an Asia Development Bank funded regional workshop on Civil Society Participation in Budget Formulation, Mr Raper said "We call on Pacific region governments to adopt more participatory Budget processes and to fund NGOs to effectively participate. Government have a responsibility to fund the voice of civil society, the disadvantaged and people in poverty through NGOs. Without this they cannot properly participate in our democratic structures.

Mr Rex Horoi, Executive Director of the Foundation of the peoples of the South Pacific International (FSPI) said that this call was entirely consistent with the view of the Pacific Island Forum on the Pacific Plan. "We endorse Recommendation 12 of the latest Forum Special Leaders Retreat to strengthen Forum engagement with civil society. We also support the option for civil society to organize a forum just prior to the Leaders meeting but call on the Forum to ensure that regional civil society organizations are properly funded not just to attend but to prepare and participate meaningfully," Mr. Horoi said. "The passing of the Fiji Family Bill last year is an example of action, led by civil society and NGOs, influencing policy at the parliamentary level," he said.

Mr Raper said that involving civil society in more participatory Budget processes has been proven to save money and strengthen democracy. Having people participate produces greater ownership and results in higher revenue and less waste," he said.

The role of NGOs is increasing throughout the world as people gain more education and are keen to participate in democratic processes, but not necessarily in political parties. More and more, citizens are choosing to connect to issues and causes through involvement in NGOs. Democratically elected government make the decisions, as they should, but citizens through NGOs will increasingly be active in having their say, especially in the way Governments raise and spend taxes through their Budgets," Mr Raper said.

"“We accept the accountability, transparency and good governance responsibilities that come with being invited into the Budget process. But we insist on a seat at the table and a voice for vulnerable and disadvantaged people." Mr Raper said.