United States of America-based non-governmental organization, Bright Light Projects (BLP) has been awarded special consultative status by the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) on September 30, 2021.
Making the announcement, the founder of the organization Franco Bonghan said that the recognition by the United Nations is remarkable as well as strategic for the work they are doing.
He said working in countries like the United States, Sierra Leone, Cameroon, Nigeria, and Guinea Conakry has opened his eyes to what people are going through in developing countries and the need for people who are more comfortable to do whatever they can to help make the world a better place.
“Bright Light Projects came to be in 2012 when we felt we could join hands with the United Nations and other partners in accomplishing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and this recognition simply shows we are on track”
“We always working towards our slogan, which is rebuilding broken communities and through that, we have worked with victims of epidemics, Ebola orphans and survivors, Gender-Based Violence victims, commercial sex workers, Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), Refugees, and other vulnerable populations”
“Knowing that we will now have more access to UN activities is exciting and an accomplishment. I give all the credits to our donors, team members, volunteers, and partners,” Mr. Bonghan said.
Franco Bonghan further stated that the key thing for Bright Light Projects is for everyone in the team to regroup for the next level of achievement, adding that to whom much is given, much is also expected. ECOSOC accreditation or ‘consultative status’ will provide for a more permanent relationship with the UN, and grant a higher level of privileges.
“We are also now at the level where we can help raise public awareness on relevant issues; contribute with essential information at United Nations events, and organize side events during UN events”
“Bright Light Projects will have the opportunity to attend international conferences and events and make written and oral statements there. We will also be able to enter the United Nations premises and have the opportunity to network and lobby and much more” he said.
Speaking on the way forward for the Bright Light Projects, Mr. Bonghan said that they will have to streamline their programs for effective delivery. “We have to start working smart. We have to start looking for the best ways to deliver on our projects and also make greater impacts”
“We also have to seek more strategic partnerships that will enable us to expand our programs in the United States, Sierra Leone, Nigeria, Cameroon and other countries in sub-Saharan Africa”
“We will also stand on this great news as we approach our 2021 Annual Fundraiser scheduled for November 20, 2021, in Houston Texas” he said. The main goal of the fundraiser is to generate funds for the Girls Shall Rise GSR program. GSR is a capacity building, education, and skill acquisition campaign for young girls from broken homes and the streets.
