Global South NGO Platform General Assembly adopts final declaration in Baku

The final declaration of the first General Assembly of the Global South NGO Platform was adopted in Baku, setting out the institutional development framework and defining the main areas of activity for the newly established international civil society initiative.

The document was presented during the General Assembly by Secretary General Fuad Karimli, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

According to the declaration, since its establishment in 2025, the initiative has developed into a significant mechanism for coordinating the interests of the Global South on the international stage.

"The formation of the Platform is the logical result of a shared historical necessity and deepening global solidarity. This stage is based on traditions of cooperation shaped during Azerbaijan's chairmanship of the Non-Aligned Movement and during COP29," the document says.

It highlights that this process has contributed to the formation of an international network uniting more than 1,000 representatives from over 120 countries.

The declaration further notes that the first General Assembly coincided with Azerbaijan’s hosting of the 13th session of the World Urban Forum 13.

"We express our deep gratitude to Azerbaijan for hosting the event and extend our appreciation to UN-Habitat for its support and for providing a dedicated pavilion for our platform," the declaration states.

The document underlines that, for the first time in the history of the World Urban Forum, NGOs from the Global South were granted their own pavilion at a UN venue, describing it as a meaningful step toward strengthening the voice of civil society.

It also welcomes the creation of a separate NGO forum within the framework of WUF, calling it a historic development in advancing dialogue and cooperation.

According to the declaration, members of the platform have already taken part in international events in Bonn, Kenya, and Belém, promoting the Global South agenda at the global level.

Among the key priorities outlined are strengthening governance structures, expanding regional representation, establishing working groups, and enhancing the role of the Secretariat through the appointment of four regional deputy secretaries-general.

The declaration also foresees the holding of an annual General Assembly in the host country of the headquarters, the expansion of digital cooperation, the development of partnerships with international donors, and the launch of joint grant initiatives.

Youth engagement and the organisation of international forums are also identified as distinct priorities.

The declaration stresses that countries of the Global South are transitioning from the role of observers to becoming active participants in shaping the global agenda.

By Jeyhun Aghazada