Azerbaijani parliament speaker secures third term as head of NAM Parliamentary Network

Speaker of the Azerbaijani parliament Sahiba Gafarova has been re-elected as the chairperson of the Parliamentary Network of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) for another three-year term.

This decision was made during the Fourth Conference of the Network, which was held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

In addition to Gafarova’s re-election, the conference also announced the extension of the mandates for the vice-chairs of the Network, ensuring continued leadership stability for the next term. The conference culminated in the adoption of the Tashkent Declaration, a significant document reflecting the unified position of the member parliaments.

The declaration emphasises the need for further institutional development of the Network, which includes strengthening the operations of its bureau and standing committees, as well as progressing discussions on the potential establishment of the Network's headquarters.

The declaration also expressed support for global initiatives such as the Baku Climate Pact and the pivotal outcomes of COP29. In particular, it highlighted the right of forcibly displaced people from NAM member states, including Western Azerbaijanis, to return to their houses in a peaceful, safe, and dignified manner. 

The Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) is an international organisation that consists of countries which are not formally aligned with or against any major power bloc. The Movement's primary objective is to promote peace, sovereignty, and independence, while advocating for the rights of developing countries. Today, the Movement includes over 120 member states, which collectively represent more than two-thirds of the United Nations' members, making it one of the largest international groupings in the world. NAM continues to champion the causes of global peace, disarmament, and economic cooperation, particularly focusing on issues such as the rights of developing nations, sustainable development, and the fight against imperialism.

By Naila Huseynova