Baku hosts founding conference of Global South NGO Platform
- Ashraf Hajiyev
- Apr 29
- 3 min read
The founding conference of the Global South NGOs Platform, titled "Solidarity in Action: Strengthening Global South NGOs for a New and Fair World", ends its first day in Baku.
The event is expected to bring together NGO leaders and civil society representatives from 116 countries, representing around 80 percent of the world’s population.
Prior to the conference, Assistant to the President of Azerbaijan, Head of Foreign Policy Affairs Department of the Presidential Administration Hikmet Hajiyev read out President Ilham Aliyev’s address to the event participants.
The event is attended by leaders of influential non-governmental organizations and civil society representatives from 116 countries, with about 80 percent of the world's population.
Addressing the event, Executive Director of the NGO State Support Agency Aygun Aliyeva noted that the Global South is considering expanding grant programs for NGOs.
“We are very pleased with the interest of Global South NGOs in Azerbaijan. Before the event, we also received offers to sign memorandum of cooperation with the Agency and selected Azerbaijani NGOs. We will work over the next two days to sign these MOUs for continuity of activities. The Agency is currently considering expanding grant programs to assist Global South NGOs in the future. These programs can create opportunities for foreign organizations to implement their activities and find solutions to global problems. If you have ideas and initiatives together with Azerbaijani NGOs, you can apply for the Agency's grant competitions,” she said.
According to her, the grants will not only provide financial support, but also enhance the knowledge and skills of NGOs in the global South and provide resources for transparent operations, and further enhance the role of NGOs in addressing global issues.
“I am confident that the conference, which will last two days, will be marked by interesting proposals and successful NGO initiatives, and the Global South NGO Platform that will be created will be the voice of millions of people represented in this region in many important organizations, including the United Nations. We are very proud that the agency is one of the partners in the creation of this platform, and today we are witnessing the creation of a historic movement thanks to the members of civil society representing the global South sitting in this room. You are in a country with an ancient heritage and hospitality, and you can feel like you are in your homeland here. A rich cultural program and useful discussions await you in the coming days,” she said.
Ramil Iskandarli, representative of the Azerbaijani national NGO, followed with a speech announcing the establishment of a global Southern NGO Platform in Baku.
"Today, we are not just founding an organization. We are starting a new movement. This is a global movement, inspired by people around the world who are fighting for justice, equality, and a better future for all. This movement represents the determination of the Global South to take control of its own destiny. I call on each of you, witnessing this historic moment, to join us in this movement. Let’s work together, fight together, and win together. And now, I officially announce that the Global South NGOs Platform has been established," he said.
He stated that through this platform, the voice of the Global South will be heard around the world.
"Today, we are not just creating an organization; we are starting a new movement. It is a global movement, inspired by people across the world who are striving for justice, fighting for equality, and working to build a better future for all. This movement represents the determination of the Global South to control its own destiny. I call on each of you who are witnessing this historic moment to join us in this movement. Let’s work together, fight together, and win together. And now, I officially declare the establishment of the Platform of NGOs of the Global South," added Iskanderli.
Source of the news: https://en.trend.az/azerbaijan/politics/4036479.html
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