Azerbaijan’s Karabakh chosen as venue for landmark NGO forum

For the first time in its history, Azerbaijan’s flagship civil society event — the Cooperation Forum of Azerbaijani NGOs— will be held in Karabakh, marking a significant symbolic and strategic milestone in the country’s post-conflict reconstruction and reconciliation efforts.

The announcement was made by Ulviyya Garayeva, Public Relations Manager at the Agency for State Support to Non-Governmental Organizations, Caliber.Az reports per local media.

Now in its third year, the NGO Cooperation Forum has become a key platform for dialogue among Azerbaijani civil society organizations. The 2023 edition was hosted at the Heydar Aliyev Centre in Baku, while the 2024 forum convened at the Congress Centre in Zangilan, located in the East Zangazur region. The upcoming edition in Karabakh underscores Azerbaijan’s intention to reintegrate and revitalize the region following its return to national control.

“This year’s forum will be dedicated to the ‘Year of the Constitution and Sovereignty,’” Garayeva stated, noting that the event will focus on themes of legal empowerment, civic participation, and national unity.

In addition to the forum, preparations are also underway for the 6th NGO Development and Exchange Program, which aims to build capacity and foster collaboration among non-governmental organizations across the country. Garayeva emphasized that, for the first time, this program will also be conducted in the liberated territories.

“Previous programs were held in Mingachevir, Naftalan, Baku, Nakhchivan, and Shamakhi. For the first time, this program is planned to be organized in the liberated territories,” she added.

By Vafa Guliyeva