A humanitarian organization based in Anambra State, the All Nations Arise and Manifest Initiative for the Less Privileged (ANAM Initiative), has recorded a major international milestone after being granted Special Consultative Status by the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).
The prestigious recognition gives the NGO official access to participate in United Nations meetings, contribute to global policy discussions, submit expert recommendations, and strengthen partnerships with international development organizations.
In a statement announcing the achievement, the Founder and Executive Director of ANAM Initiative, Unoma Tessy Aniesi, described the recognition as the result of five years of perseverance, dedication and unwavering commitment to serving vulnerable communities.
According to her, the organization’s application, which began in 2021, underwent a rigorous review, assessment and questioning process before it was formally approved at the United Nations Headquarters in New York on June 10, 2026.
Recalling the moment the approval letter arrived, Aniesi said members of the organization’s leadership initially found it difficult to believe the news.
“We read the letter several times and shared it with members of our Board of Trustees. It felt like a dream, but today that dream has become a reality,” she said.
She described the recognition as both an honour and a greater responsibility, noting that the journey from a grassroots organization in Umuenwelum Anam, Anambra West Local Government Area, to earning global recognition by the United Nations demonstrates the impact of consistent humanitarian service.
Aniesi dedicated the achievement to the organization’s volunteers, donors, development partners, beneficiaries and supporters whose contributions made the feat possible. She also paid tribute to late supporters, OBC Alazor, Nekky Ekwenze and Pa Tony Emeka Ugbagu, for their invaluable contributions to the growth of the organization.
With its newly acquired ECOSOC Special Consultative Status, ANAM Initiative is now positioned to play a more active role in shaping international conversations on humanitarian and development issues.
The achievement marks a significant milestone not only for ANAM Initiative but also for Anambra State’s civil society sector, showcasing the growing global recognition of locally driven humanitarian initiatives.
