Manny Ita –
The first General Assembly of the Global South NGO Platform concluded in Baku on May 14, bringing together representatives of civil society organizations from more than 110 countries across Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Pacific.
Held during the Baku Urban Week, the gathering focused on strengthening cooperation among developing nations and promoting a unified voice for the Global South on major international issues.
Addressing participants, Hikmet Hajiyev said the Global South now occupies an increasingly influential place in world affairs. “Azerbaijan considers itself a part of the Global South. We are a part of the Global South geographically, historically, culturally, and also in terms of destiny,” he stated.
Hajiyev noted that Azerbaijan understands the struggles faced by many developing countries because it has experienced similar political and economic challenges throughout its own history. He particularly condemned colonialism and neocolonialism, describing them as “a stain on humanity,” while warning that such practices still exist in modern forms today. He added that combating neocolonialism was one of Azerbaijan’s major priorities during its leadership of the Non-Aligned Movement between 2019 and 2022.
Mukhtar Babayev described the assembly as both an institutional milestone and a continuation of the cooperation spirit that emerged during COP29 preparations in Azerbaijan. “This platform is more than just a place for dialogue; it is a force for action,” he said, stressing Azerbaijan’s commitment to strengthening South-South cooperation and building inclusive global partnerships.
A message from António Guterres, delivered by UN Resident Coordinator ad interim Igor Garafulic, praised Azerbaijan’s efforts in promoting multilateralism and inclusive global engagement.
The message described the Global South NGO Platform as “an important mechanism for global solidarity, dialogue, and partnership,” while emphasizing the need to ensure no country is left behind in global development efforts.
Several international figures also addressed the assembly, including Dima Al-Khatib, Luis Gallegos and Mohamed Osman Mohamoud.
During the meeting, delegates adopted a framework document outlining the institutional structure and operational mechanisms of the Global South NGO Platform.
Azerbaijani representative Fuad Karimli was elected Secretary-General of the organization, meaning Azerbaijan will chair the platform for the next five years. Other regional deputy secretary-generals elected include Mithika Mwenda for Africa, Bobur Bekmurodov for Asia, Luis Gallegos for Latin America and Cecile Guidote-Alvarez for the Pacific region.
The event also featured panel discussions on strategic cooperation, socio-economic equality and sustainable urban development.
Speakers highlighted the rapid pace of urbanization worldwide, warning that more than 70 percent of the global population could be living in cities within the next few decades. They stressed that sustainable and inclusive cities must be supported by strong economic systems and coordinated public policies.
The assembly ended with the adoption of a final declaration outlining the platform’s future direction and goals.
