Executive Director: Azerbaijan allocated $13 million for Global South NGO projects

Azerbaijan's Agency for State Support to Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) has earmarked $13 million for over 1,000 projects led by NGOs representing the Global South.

Speaking at the inaugural conference of the Global South NGO Platform in Baku, the Agency’s Executive Director, Aygun Aliyeva, outlined the agency’s commitment to continued support for organisations from the Global South, Caliber.Az reports per local media.

She highlighted that the initiative seeks not only to address geographical needs but also to foster political and social solidarity. "The Global South concept goes beyond geography; it includes political and social networks as well," Aliyeva said. She also pointed out that many nations in the Global South face challenges such as poverty and the long-term impacts of colonial policies.

The Agency’s support aligns with Azerbaijan’s broader international commitment, with the country also contributing to the Global South during the COP29 conference.

Aliyeva further emphasised that the platform, which will host discussions on the challenges facing the Global South, marks a new chapter for Azerbaijan’s civil society and introduces an innovative platform for the country.

“Azerbaijan’s NGOs will now forge new connections with organisations across the Global South, deepening collaborative efforts and sharing valuable experiences,” Aliyeva concluded.

This initiative signifies a significant milestone for Azerbaijan's engagement with the wider global community and strengthens its role in supporting the socio-economic development of the Global South.

Note that 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.

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