Koror, Republic of Palau — 19 November 2025– The Belau Association of Non-Governmental Organizations (BANGO) is pleased to announce that the Facility Aiding Locally-Led Engagement, FALE Belau, has officially formed its first Steering Committee following two days of rich dialogue, collaborative learning and collective agreement.
The inaugural FALE Belau meeting, held on 17–18 November at the Palau Royal Resort, brought together twenty-eight representatives from civil society organizations, disability groups, diaspora communities, youth networks, women’s groups, academia, international NGOs, faith-based organizations and the National Emergency Management Office.
During the opening of today’s first Steering Committee meeting, the Chairperson, Mr Kambes Kesolei, welcomed members and reminded them that FALE Belau now moves “from vision to action”, marking a new chapter for nationally owned and locally led coordination in Palau.
FALE Belau has been established with the technical and financial support of the Pacific Humanitarian Warehousing Programme of the Pacific Community (SPC), and through the partnership of the Pacific Islands Association of Non-Governmental Organizations (PIANGO). FALE Pacific is PIANGO’s permanent humanitarian arm for the region. FALE Belau now becomes BANGO’s permanent humanitarian arm at the national level, mirroring and strengthening the same model in Palau.
With the official launch of FALE Belau, Palau now joins Samoa, Tonga, Fiji and Vanuatu as part of a growing group of Pacific Island countries establishing community-led humanitarian coordination mechanisms. This shared approach strengthens the ability of communities to make decisions and deliver humanitarian assistance directly to the people who need it most, at the local level.
Newly Endorsed Steering Committee
Chairperson
Mr Kambes Kesolei, BANGO
Vice Chairperson
Mr Waymine Towai, National Emergency Management Office (NEMO)
Treasurer
Ms Lourdes Funa, The Filipino Community in Palau
Secretary and FALE Belau Coordinator
Ms Tanya O. Rengulbai, BANGO
Sectoral representation includes the Palau Red Cross Society, the disability sector, women’s groups, diaspora communities, youth networks, academia, international NGOs, faith-based organizations and wider BANGO membership.
A message from FALE Pacific Coordinator, Mr Akmal Ali
“Coming to Palau has reminded me why our region calls these the enchanted islands. There is a quiet magic here, not the kind you see in films, but the kind you feel when people sit together with honesty and purpose. What we have seen over these two days is the pure heart of humanitarian localisation. It is the belief that wisdom sits with the people, that solutions begin with local leadership and that real resilience grows from within. FALE Belau is not only a structure. It is the spirit of Palau stepping forward as part of a wider Pacific movement led by Pacific people for Pacific people.”
Next Steps
The Steering Committee will convene from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM on 19 November 2025 to set the way forward and confirm immediate actions. Priority next steps include establishing communication processes, preparing an initial work plan and formalising engagement with NEMO as a key government partner.
FALE Belau is now formally established as Palau’s nationally owned civil society coordination mechanism for preparedness, response and resilience. Its creation reflects the partnership between BANGO, PIANGO and the Pacific Humanitarian Warehousing Programme (SPC), ensuring consistent support, long-term capacity and a stronger humanitarian ecosystem for the people of Palau. For more information, please contact BANGO Secretariat.