ANAM Initiative secures ECOSOC Special Consultative Status, earns seat in global development conversations.
Anambra-based humanitarian organization, All Nations Arise and Manifest Initiative for the Less Privileged (ANAM Initiative), has attained a major international milestone after being granted Special Consultative Status by the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).
The recognition places the organization among a select group of civil society organizations accredited to engage with the United Nations, enabling it to contribute to international policy discussions, submit expert recommendations, and participate in key UN meetings.
The achievement was announced in a statement by the Founder and Executive Director of the organization, Unoma Tessy Aniesi, who described the approval as the outcome of five years of persistence, resilience and unwavering dedication to humanitarian service.
According to the statement, the application process began in 2021 and culminated on June 10, 2026, when the organization's consultative status was formally adopted at the United Nations Headquarters in New York after an extensive review.
Recounting the journey, Aniesi 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 organization's leadership repeatedly read the document before accepting that the long-awaited recognition had become a reality.
"When the official letter arrived, honestly, we could hardly believe it. We read it several times. We sent it to members of our Board of Trustees. We read it again. We looked at each other and asked, 'Is this really happening?' It felt like a dream. Today, that dream has become reality."
Aniesi said the recognition represents both an honour and a greater responsibility, noting that the organization had grown from a grassroots initiative in Umuenwelum Anam, Anambra West Local Government Area, into an internationally recognized development organization.
She dedicated the achievement to the organization'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, acknowledging their enduring contributions to the organization's growth and impact.
"We remain grateful for their services, support and impact. We thank God Almighty for His grace. The work continues. The vision only grows stronger. The impact will reach further," she added.
With the new ECOSOC Special Consultative Status, ANAM Initiative can now participate in United Nations meetings, submit written statements, offer expert input on issues within its mandate and build stronger partnerships with international development institutions.
The recognition is regarded as a landmark achievement not only for ANAM Initiative but also for Anambra State's civil society community, underscoring the growing global influence of locally driven humanitarian interventions.