Baku: President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev addressed participants at the founding conference of the Global South NGO Platform, highlighting Azerbaijan’s pivotal role in the initiative.
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, the event marks a significant milestone for the Global South, with representatives from over 100 prominent non-governmental organizations assembling to establish the platform.
President Aliyev expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support received for the Azerbaijan National NGO Forum’s initiative to create the Global South NGO Platform during the international conference on South-South cooperation held alongside COP29 in Baku last November. More than 1000 NGO representatives and activists from nearly 140 countries signed a joint declaration supporting the platform’s formation.
The president emphasized the transformation of the COP29 NGO Coalition, which previously united nearly 500 NGOs from over 100 countries, into an initiative group aimed at institutionalizing the Global South NGO Platform. This transformation underscores the necessity for joint, coordinated action in the region.
Azerbaijan, which chaired the Non-Aligned Movement of 120 countries from 2019 to 2023, has been a staunch advocate for the interests of developing nations, providing humanitarian and financial assistance to over 80 member states during the COVID-19 pandemic. The country has also made significant strides in institutionalizing the Non-Aligned Movement.
The launch of the Global South NGO Platform in Baku is seen as a recognition of Azerbaijan’s active role during its chairmanship of the Non-Aligned Movement and COP29 Presidency. President Aliyev believes the platform will significantly contribute to amplifying the voices of the Global South, conveying their positions to the international community, and ensuring their rights.
Highlighting Azerbaijan’s efforts to foster dialogue between the Global South and Global North, Aliyev pointed to the ‘Baku Breakthrough’ achieved during COP29 as a testament to the country’s commitment to cultivating mutual trust and understanding. COP29, hosted by Azerbaijan, was a historic success, attracting approximately 80,000 participants from 197 countries.
Despite the persistent mistrust between the Global North and South, Azerbaijan continues to serve as a bridge, working to narrow the gap and foster inclusive dialogue. The country remains committed to building confidence and addressing this imbalance.
Azerbaijan’s experiences with economic and political transformation, as well as restoring its territorial integrity in the face of military aggression, provide it with a profound understanding of the challenges faced by the Global South. The country remains dedicated to promoting cooperation, solidarity, and lasting success.
President Aliyev also addressed the major challenges faced by the Global South, attributing them to neocolonial policies pursued by certain Western countries. Azerbaijan strongly rejects all forms of colonialism and its associated tragedies.
Reaffirming its commitment to non-interference in domestic affairs and promoting interfaith, inter-civilizational, and intercultural dialogue, Azerbaijan aims to build a brighter future and a new, just world order for its peoples. President Aliyev congratulated the participants of the Global South NGO Platform on this notable event and assured them of Azerbaijan’s continued support.