NGOs set up first national federation
The first ever federation of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) has been set up with a membership of 23 organisations so far, including most of the big names. The move represents an effort by NGOs to join forces and strengthen their clout in the...
The first ever federation of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) has been set up with a membership of 23 organisations so far, including most of the big names.
The move represents an effort by NGOs to join forces and strengthen their clout in the sphere of civil society. The National Federation of NGOs of Malta (NFNM), as it is officially called, said in its first statement to the media yesterday that it aims to represent the interests of NGOs working in all sectors. NFNM is encouraging all NGOs in Malta to join the federation.
It will work towards developing policies and practices promoting NGOs and facilitating communication between them, as well as lobbying on issues that are of concern to them.
The newly-elected president of the NFNM, Petra Bianchi, said: "Non- governmental organisations play a vital role in developing an active civil society, enriching democracy in Malta.
"The needs and challenges of individual Maltese NGOs working in different sectors of the community are often shared. The federation will monitor the legal framework within which NGOs operate, to ensure that it adequately reflects the needs and practices of NGOs."
The founding members of the federation include Arka Foundation, Din l-Art Helwa, SOS Malta, Centre for Faith and Justice, BirdLife Malta, Oasi Foundation, Cana Movement, Friends of the Earth, the Hospice Movement, Ir-Razzett tal-Hbiberija, Friends of the Sick and the Elderly in Gozo, Jesuit Refugee Service, Gozo NGOs Association, Gaia Foundation, Nature Trust, Malta Gay Rights Movement, Malta Society for the Blind, Malta Breastfeeding Organisation, Malta Archaeological Society, Moviment Graffiti, YMCA, Ramblers Association and the Eden Foundation.
The federation's vice-president, Claudia Taylor East, called on all the other NGOs in Malta to join the federation: "This is good opportunity for all NGOs to develop further and to build synergy."
NGOs can join the federation by downloading the membership form on www.mrc.org.mt or by calling 2124-4123.