New york: The Baku Initiative Group (BIG) organized an international conference titled ‘Overseas Territories after the Bougival Accord: Recolonization or Decolonization?’ at the UN headquarters in New York, as part of the 80th session of the UN General Assembly.

According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, the conference was attended by leaders of independence movements from France’s overseas territories, including Kanaky (New Caledonia), Guadeloupe, Martinique, R©union, Ma’ohi Nui (French Polynesia), and French Guiana, as well as from Dutch territories such as Bonaire, Aruba, and Sint Maarten. International decolonization experts and members of the International Decolonization Front, founded in Baku, were also present.

The event examined the Bougival Accord, which France promotes as a guarantee of ‘stability and a shared future,’ and compared it with the Matignon and Noum©a accords, intended to grant New Caledonia independence. Representatives from Kanaky explained to the international audience their reasons for rejecting the Bougival Accord.

Discussions also focused on the future of New Caledonia and other overseas territories, France’s failure to meet its obligations before the UN, the path toward genuine decolonization, and joint actions to support this process.

A joint statement is expected to be adopted at the conclusion of the conference, followed by a peaceful protest by the territorial representatives in front of the UN office.