Baku: Azerbaijan has played a crucial role in aiding the development of Global South countries, stated Hikmet Hajiyev, Assistant to the President of Azerbaijan and Head of the Foreign Policy Affairs Department of the Presidential Administration. During his address at the first General Assembly of the Global South NGO Platform, part of 'Baku Urban Week,' Hajiyev emphasized Azerbaijan's leadership as the Chair of the Non-Aligned Movement and COP29 in fostering cooperation with Global South nations.

According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, Hajiyev pointed out the emergence of new threats, challenges, and uncertainties in the current global landscape. Historically, the Global South has been excluded from pivotal dialogues, especially post-World War II, when global decisions were made without their input. Hajiyev stressed that with 80 percent of the world's population residing in Southern countries, they must engage actively in shaping the new world order rather than remain passive observers.