Baku: The First General Assembly of the Global South NGO Platform (GSNP) wrapped up in Baku, marking a significant milestone in international cooperation and dialogue among NGOs representing more than 110 countries across Latin America, Africa, Asia, and the Pacific. The event was part of the Baku Urban Week, and it opened on May 14 with a video presentation showcasing the organization's activities over the past year.
According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, Hikmet Hajiyev, Assistant to the President of Azerbaijan and Head of the Foreign Policy Affairs Department of the Presidential Administration, addressed the assembly, emphasizing the crucial role of the Global South in the international arena. He stated that Azerbaijan is an integral part of the Global South, connected geographically, historically, culturally, and through shared challenges. Hajiyev highlighted Azerbaijan's historical struggles with colonialism and neocolonialism, underscoring the importance of fighting these forces as part of Azerbaijan's leadership in the Non-Aligned Movement from 2019 to 2022.
Mukhtar Babayev, Representative of the President for Climate Issues, also addressed the gathering, noting that the meeting represented a continuation of the spirit of solidarity and cooperation fostered during COP29 in Azerbaijan. He emphasized Azerbaijan's commitment to strengthening South-South cooperation and facilitating dialogue and practical action through inclusive international platforms. Babayev described the GSNP as not just a forum for dialogue but also a catalyst for action.
UN Secretary-General's message, delivered by Igor Garafulic, UN Resident Coordinator ad interim in Azerbaijan, praised Azerbaijan's efforts to promote multilateralism and international cooperation. The message acknowledged the GSNP as a critical mechanism for global solidarity, dialogue, and partnership, emphasizing the importance of inclusive development and resilience.
The assembly saw contributions from several notable figures, including Aygun Aliyeva, Dima Al-Khatib, Luis Gallegos, Mohamed Osman Mohamoud, and Nidal Salim. A framework document outlining the GSNP's institutional structure and operational mechanisms was adopted during the event.
Fuad Karimli, an Azerbaijani representative, was elected Secretary-General of the GSNP, with the position of Deputy Secretary-General assigned to Mithika Mwenda (Kenya), Bobur Bekmurodov (Uzbekistan), Luis Gallegos (Ecuador), and Cecile Guidote-Alvarez (Philippines) for their respective regions.
The assembly also featured panel sessions, including one moderated by Fuad Karimli focused on strategic cooperation within the Global South. Another panel, moderated by Nadima Rahimli, addressed the challenges and opportunities of urbanization, stressing the importance of sustainable urban policies and inclusive economic systems.
The event concluded with the adoption of the final declaration of the First General Assembly of the Global South NGO Platform, setting the stage for continued collaboration and action among the participating nations and organizations.