ANAM Initiative Gets UN Special Consultative Status.
All Nations Arise and Manifest Initiative for the Less Privileged (ANAM Initiative), an Anambra-based humanitarian organisation, has been granted Special Consultative Status by the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).
The recognition now places the organisation among the group of civil society organisations accredited to engage with the United Nations and enable it contribute to international policy discussions, submit expert recommendations, and participate in key UN meetings.
Unoma Aniesi, Founder and Executive Director of ANAM who announced this in a statement said the approval was the outcome of five years of persistence, resilience and unwavering dedication to humanitarian service.
Aniesi said the application process began in 2021 and culminated on June 10, when the organisation’s consultative status was formally adopted at the United Nations Headquarters in New York after an extensive review.
She said the process involved years of rigorous assessments, reviews and multiple rounds of questioning before the organization eventually received approval.
“This journey started in 2021. For five years, we went through a rigorous application, review, questioning and assessment process. We remained patient, hopeful and committed to our mission of serving humanity,” she said.
She described the moment the approval letter arrived as surreal, noting that members of the organisation’s leadership repeatedly read the document before accepting that the long-awaited recognition had become a reality.
Aniesi said the recognition was an honour and responsibility, noting that the organisation had grown from a grassroots initiative in Umuenwelum Anam into an internationally recognised development organisation.
“When the official letter arrived, we could hardly believe it.
“We read it several times, sent it to members of our Board of Trustees. and looked at each other in amazement.
“Today, that dream has become reality.” she said.
Aniesi dedicated the achievement to the organisation’s volunteers, donors, partners, beneficiaries and supporters whose contributions sustained its work over the years.
The Executive Director also paid tribute to late supporters OBC Alazor, Nekky Ekwenze and Pa Tony Emeka Ugbagu, for their enduring contributions to the organisation’s growth and impact.
“We remain grateful for their services, support and impact, we thank God for His grace, the impact will reach further,” she said.
With the new ECOSOC Special Consultative Status, ANAM Initiative can now participate in United Nations meetings, submit written statements and offer expert input on issues within its mandate.
The recognition is regarded as a landmark achievement for ANAM Initiative as well as the entire civil society community in Anambra.