Baku officially launches Global South NGO Platform with key support from UN representatives

Baku has officially launched the Global South NGO Platform to foster collaboration in addressing key challenges faced by countries in the region, including poverty, climate change, colonial legacies, the digital divide, and trade inequalities.

Wook-Jin Chang, a representative of the United Nations Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA), highlighted Azerbaijan’s crucial role in facilitating close cooperation among communities and mobilising efforts to address these pressing challenges, Caliber.Az reports per local media.

"With less than five years remaining until 2030, time is running out for achieving sustainable development. Together, we are strong. We will not wait for change, but strive to lead it," he said. 

He further emphasised that the Platform is dedicated to elevating the issues faced by countries in this strategic geographic region to the international stage, and to serving as a forum for finding solutions. "The platform aims to represent a unified stance in international organisations, including the United Nations, and to promote global coordination," Jin-Chang stated.

The Global South NGO Forum, taking place in Azerbaijan, is seen as a vital step in ensuring that civil society voices are heard in global discussions.

In a statement to journalists during the conference, UN Resident Coordinator in Azerbaijan, Vladanka Andreeva, underscored the importance of the platform. "It is a great honour to be here today at the opening of the newly established Global South NGO Platform. As the United Nations, we closely collaborate with civil society and all relevant stakeholders to ensure the achievement of sustainable development goals by 2030. It is essential that civil society’s voices are heard, and that they have a space to collaborate with diverse partners and a seat at the negotiating table. Today's forum will undoubtedly contribute to this,” Andreeva remarked.

She also expressed optimism regarding the two-day discussions, emphasising the need for solidarity in tackling the challenges ahead. “I truly hope, as some participants said this morning, that the discussions will be conducted in the language of solidarity, because only through solidarity and shared responsibility can we ensure that no one is left behind,” Andreeva concluded.

The creation of the Global South NGO Platform in Baku reinforces Azerbaijan’s role as a mediator between the Global North and South. The platform seeks to highlight critical issues such as poverty, climate change, colonial legacies, the digital divide, and trade inequality, while fostering South-South cooperation. It aims to present a unified position in global forums like the UN and coordinate international efforts.

The two-day conference, "Solidarity in Action: Strengthening Global South NGOs for a New and Fair World," will bring together key NGO leaders and discussions. It will also celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Bandung Principles, which advocate for non-interference, justice, sovereignty, and mutual economic cooperation.

By Aghakazim Guliyev