UN NGO Coalition chief praises Azerbaijan for pioneering civil society engagement in global affairs

Head of the NGO Coalition for Social Development under the UN Melvine Wajiri has said that Azerbaijan was lauded as a leading example in integrating civil society into global processes.  

Wajiri made the remarks during the second day of the inaugural conference of the Global South NGO Platform, held in Baku, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

“I believe we are entering a new phase here in Azerbaijan. During my eight years of working with civil societies across the globe, this is the first time I’ve seen a government so openly eager to collaborate with non-governmental organisations within a platform that allows us to work together—hand in hand—with global civil society,” Wajiri said.

He further highlighted Azerbaijan's initiative as a powerful example of how a government can complement the efforts of NGOs. Moreover, he pointed out that the country's approach is assisting to involve partners from Global South nations, enriching the collaborative process.

The Global South NGO Platform officially kicked off in Baku on April 28, uniting influential leaders from NGOs and civil society across the world, collectively representing around 80 per cent of the world's population. 

The conference, a key milestone for civil society in the Global South, brings together regions spanning Asia, Africa, Latin America, and Oceania, covering two-thirds of the globe's nations. 

The creation of the platform in Baku strengthens Azerbaijan’s position as a key mediator between the Global North and South. The platform focuses on advocating for critical global issues, including poverty, climate change, colonial legacies, and trade inequality. It also aims to foster South-South cooperation.

The two-day conference, titled “Solidarity in Action: Strengthening Global South NGOs for a New and Fair World” features key discussions, including a reflection on the 70-year-old “Bandung Principles,” which call for a justice-based world order, respect for sovereignty, and the promotion of economic prosperity.

On the second day of the forum, NGOs from D-8 countries gathered for discussions. The event has been described as a milestone for civil society across the Global South, encompassing Asia, Africa, Latin America and Oceania — home to two-thirds of the world’s nations.

By Naila Huseynova