Kenyan president’s daughter applauds Azerbaijan’s role in advancing Global South agenda at Baku summit

Charlene Ruto, the founder and CEO of the SMACHS Foundation and the daughter of Kenya’s president, has praised Azerbaijan for its unwavering support of the Global South at the inaugural conference of the Global South NGO Platform in Baku. 

She highlighted the organisation of COP29 as a prime example of Azerbaijan's commitment to empowering developing countries, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

Ruto expressed heartfelt gratitude to Azerbaijan, emphasising the critical role of the platform in advancing the Global South's influence.

"This platform should serve as a turning point for us, aimed at increasing the power of the Global South. Today's inaugural conference will also act as a catalyst for the development of the Global South," she said. As the conversation shifted toward the broader challenges facing the Global South, Ruto stressed the importance of unity in overcoming these obstacles.

"Progress cannot be achieved without unity," she noted, highlighting the urgency of addressing critical issues such as rising sea levels and droughts. She called for immediate action to protect ecosystems, emphasising that the time for change is now. Building on Ruto's message, the conference also introduced a new initiative aimed at strengthening solidarity among non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in the Global South.

During the same event, Portia Adu - Mensah, a representative of the Ghanaian organisation Dream Hunt, also underscored the importance of this collaboration in safeguarding the rights of marginalised and vulnerable communities. 

"Support for the NGOs of the Global South within this new initiative is incredibly important," Adu – Mensah remarked. "Many communities remain marginalised and vulnerable, and we have not had enough human rights defenders to address these issues."

She further emphasised that uniting the efforts of NGOs will help translate ideas into practical, actionable solutions.

"Many communities have suffered, but their issues have long been overlooked due to a lack of advocates. Now, we are focused on results, with projects aimed at addressing the real needs of people and driving tangible change," she said. 

Adu – Mensah also pointed out the critical need for targeted funding to address the specific needs of affected communities.

"Many still lack basic access to electricity. Funding should aim to improve living conditions and be accessible to these people. Our goal is cooperation and achieving real outcomes, not just formal propaganda," she added. 

This drive to consolidate the voices of non-governmental organisations, particularly those from Azerbaijan, which chaired the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), has earned widespread praise as an essential step toward shared prosperity and sustainable development. 

In a video message to the conference participants, Mayor of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Maimuna Mohd Sharif, expressed her appreciation for Azerbaijan’s leadership in this initiative. She commended Azerbaijan for its consistent demonstration of global leadership, especially through its role in the Non-Aligned Movement and the COP29 climate conference. 

"Azerbaijan's leadership has been evident in many instances, including during its chairmanship of the Non-Aligned Movement and the COP29 climate conference. Its commitment to fostering multilateralism and inclusive dialogue is particularly invaluable in today’s geopolitical climate," she said.

Sharif went on to note that the presence of participants from over 90 countries in the Global South speaks volumes about civil society's deep commitment to collective action and shaping the future. 

"I thank Azerbaijan for organising this impressive platform in the beautiful city of Baku and for its leadership on the global stage. As chair of the Non-Aligned Movement from 2019 to 2023, Azerbaijan played a pivotal role in promoting multilateralism and inclusive dialogue, which is especially significant in the context of today’s geopolitical instability." 

Sharif also emphasised that Azerbaijan’s leadership at COP29 was a testament to the country’s dedication to inclusivity, furthering its support for the launch of a network of NGOs from the Global South. 

"This initiative, which unites over 1,023 civil society organisations from 137 countries, highlights the urgent need for a unified platform that enables the Global South to act collectively," she added.

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" brings 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 Naila Huseynova