Over 110 countries to convene in Baku for Global South NGO Platform Photo

A briefing was held today at the office of the Azerbaijan National NGO Forum to announce the upcoming founding conference of the Global South NGO Platform, set to take place in Baku on April 28–29.

Ramil Iskandarli, Chairman of the Board of the Azerbaijan National NGO Forum, revealed that a significant event in the history of civil society across the Global South will occur on April 28, Caliber.Az reports per local media.

This vast region spans two-thirds of the world's countries, including those in Asia, Africa, Latin America, and Oceania. 

"For the first time in history, a Global South NGO Platform is planned to be created. It is a great honour and pride for us that Azerbaijani civil society is the initiator of this platform," he stated.

He also reminded attendees that during the international NGO conference of Non-Aligned Movement countries, held on November 15, 2024, within the framework of COP29, titled “Advancing Climate Action Through South South Cooperation: The Role of NGOs”, the Azerbaijan National NGO Forum called for the establishment of a Global South NGO Platform. This call garnered broad international support, with NGOs from nearly 140 countries joining the movement. More than 1,000 foreign NGOs issued a joint statement backing the initiative.

The COP29 NGO Coalition, 84% of whose members represent civil society from developing countries, also voiced support for the platform’s creation. At the close of last year, the coalition urged the institutionalisation of the Global South NGO Platform and recommended that the Azerbaijan National NGO Forum lead this process.

“We are grateful to the Agency for State Support to NGOs of the Republic of Azerbaijan for its tangible support in turning this global initiative into reality and for responding positively to all our requests for assistance. Leading NGO representatives from over 110 countries have accepted our invitation to come to Baku. This is a true mobilisation of NGOs, both for the Global South and for Azerbaijan. We will demonstrate our solidarity and combine our efforts,” Iskandarli added.

Aygun Aliyeva, Executive Director of the Agency for State Support to NGOs of Azerbaijan, emphasised that the Global South NGO Platform represents another milestone achieved through COP29. “This initiative was proposed during COP29. We are very proud that for the first time ever, an initiative from Azerbaijani NGOs has received such global support.

During Azerbaijan’s chairmanship of the Non-Aligned Movement, its active engagement for a new and just world order, the initiatives it put forward, and the achievement of the ‘Baku breakthrough’ during COP29 have earned the country much sympathy across the Global South.” Aliyeva continued, calling it a new chapter for Azerbaijan’s civil society. “Azerbaijani NGOs will establish new ties with NGOs from Global South countries and further deepen their cooperation.”

Nadima Ragimli, Deputy Chair of the “For the Social Welfare of Citizens” Public Union, highlighted Azerbaijan's increasing role as a mediator between the Global North and South. "The formation of the Global South NGO Platform in Baku reflects Azerbaijan’s emerging role as a successful mediator and a bridge between the Global North and the Global South."

The founding conference will be held at the Baku Convention Centre on April 28–29, with the two-day forum titled “Solidarity Actions: Empowering Global South NGOs for a New and Just World.” The event will feature speeches by prominent NGOs from around the world, global discussions, and a focus on the historic "Bandung Principles," adopted in Indonesia 70 years ago. These principles reject interference in internal affairs, promote a peaceful and just world order, uphold sovereignty and territorial integrity, ensure equality among nations, and call for the mobilisation of mutual interests, cooperation, and economic prosperity.

By Aghakazim Guliyev