Azerbaijan calls for renewed Global South unity against neo-colonialism at NGO summit Photo

Azerbaijan has urged greater international influence for the Global South, highlighting its role in addressing neo-colonialism and advancing sovereign development, at the inaugural conference of the Global South NGO Platform held in Baku.

During a panel titled “Rise of the Global South: The Spirit of Bandung and the Struggle for a Sovereign Future”, participants discussed how civil society can promote sovereignty, justice and sustainable development, Caliber.Az reports per local media.

The panel was co-moderated by Azerbaijani MP and board member of the Azerbaijan National NGO Forum, Parvana Valiyeva, and international governance adviser Carlyle G. Corbin.

In her opening remarks, Valiyeva reflected on the historical significance of the 1955 Bandung Conference, which laid the groundwork for the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM). She noted that Azerbaijan, during its chairmanship of NAM, upheld key Bandung principles, including state sovereignty, independence and equality.

“Azerbaijan consistently stood against new forms of colonialism during its NAM leadership. We also initiated the creation of the Global South NGO Platform, or GSNP,” said Valiyeva. “We remain deeply concerned about both enduring and emerging forms of colonialism in the 21st century and call on the international community to intensify efforts to eliminate them.”

Corbin welcomed Azerbaijan’s active stance against neo-colonialism and said the establishment of the GSNP was a significant step in strengthening the Global South’s presence in forums such as the United Nations.

“This platform unites NGOs to boost South-South cooperation and address key challenges such as poverty, climate change, disability, trade inequality, and modern colonial practices,” Corbin said. He also highlighted the relevance of the platform’s agenda to the Caribbean region, which includes both sovereign and non-self-governing territories, especially in the wake of last year’s COP29 summit.

On the second day of the forum, NGOs from D-8 countries gathered for discussions. The event has been described as a milestone for civil society across the Global South, encompassing Asia, Africa, Latin America and Oceania — home to two-thirds of the world’s nations.

By Aghakazim Guliyev