Azerbaijan NGO forum announces major global gathering ahead of WUF

The Azerbaijan National NGO Forum (ANNF) has outlined its recent activities and future plans at a press conference in Baku, announcing that representatives of non-governmental organisations from 130 countries are expected to visit the capital on May 14.

Speaking at the event, ANNF Board Chairman Ramil Iskandarli said the organisation has expanded its international reach significantly in recent years, Caliber.Az reports per local media.

According to him, today the ANNF operates in the Global South, covering a wide area from Ecuador to Indonesia, from Mexico to Oceania, as well as in the greater Turkic geography.

"The ANNF is a prestigious national organisation with partnership relations with hundreds of foreign NGOs, known for its global and regional initiatives. We must acknowledge that until a few years ago, the Forum's name was not even sufficiently recognised in Azerbaijan itself. Today we see a completely different picture. This rise is the result of great effort and consistent activity. Azerbaijani NGOs are speaking with the world today," he said. 

Iskandarli also noted that the forum is among the main organisers of the upcoming global event held within the framework of Baku Urbanisation Week. He added that leadership positions within an international platform will be elected during the General Assembly.

At the General Assembly, the Secretary General of the Platform and its four deputies for Asia, Africa, Latin America, and Australia and Oceania will be elected: "Currently, Azerbaijan successfully leads this Platform, and the permanent headquarters of the institution is also located in Baku."

Members of the ANNF Board, including MPs Parvana Valiyeva and Azer Allahveranov, highlighted that upcoming discussions will focus on issues related to the Turkic world, involving civil society representatives from eight countries. They also announced that bilateral NGO forums will be held between Azerbaijan and Northern Cyprus, Kyrgyzstan, and Turkmenistan.

Board member Zaur Ibrahimli said the forum has become a key hub for strengthening institutional capacity among local non-governmental organisations.

Another member, Khatira Valiyeva, emphasised growing public confidence in the sector, stating that as the scope of NGO activity and results expand, a parallel increase in public trust in this sector is being observed. Valiyeva also emphasised that Forum members have seriously prepared for WUF13 as well.

The meeting concluded with discussions on future initiatives and international cooperation plans.

By Sabina Mammadli