Baku hosts founding conference of Global South NGO Platform (PHOTO)

"South-South cooperation is not just a theoretical idea. It is a practical and powerful tool for implementing the SDGs. By exchanging knowledge, technology, and experiences, developing countries can support each other's efforts and build inclusive and sustainable societies. None of this can be achieved without active civil society participation. NGOs, especially those from Global South countries, are key players in our collective mission to achieve the SDGs," he said.

Chang further elucidated the pivotal function of non-governmental organizations, emphasizing their synergistic relationships with grassroots constituencies, comprehensive grasp of contextual dynamics, and adeptness in galvanizing civic engagement.

"In this regard, I greatly appreciate Azerbaijan's leadership in initiating the Global South NGO platform and today's forum," he added.

Mukhtar Babayev, representative of the President of Azerbaijan on climate issues, chairman of the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change - COP29, said that Azerbaijan has set an important task to become a bridge between the Global South and the Global North at COP29.

According to him, it was a great challenge for Azerbaijan to host COP29 in 2024.

“We strived to invite all stakeholders to be part of this process. It was extremely important for us to see NGOs, representatives of society, youth organizations, indigenous peoples, women's organizations, and other groups alongside us,” he stressed.

Babayev noted that climate issues and the effects of climate change strongly affect daily life, perspectives, and especially in vulnerable countries.

“It is important to be a bridge between vulnerable countries, between the developing world and the developed world, between the Global South and the Global North. That is why we set ourselves this task. All of us were motivated to successfully fulfill this mission,” he said.

In turn, Deputy Secretary-General for Science and Technology of the BRI Li Renying emphasized that China highly values its partnership with Azerbaijan, a representative of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

"Azerbaijan and China share a unique and enduring friendship, built on mutual support that has withstood the test of time. This strong bond reinforces our shared goals of development, prosperity, and sustainability. Our strategic partnership is rooted in mutual respect, equality, and a common dedication to fostering a fairer world," he remarked.

The representative went on to say that China is ready to present an updated nationally recognized contribution by 2035. In recent years, China has made remarkable strides in reducing carbon emissions, increasing the share of renewable energy, expanding forest areas, improving environmental health, and cutting pollution while boosting energy efficiency.

"China is firmly committed to combating climate change and enhancing international cooperation. We deeply value our strong partnership with Azerbaijan and the broader international community. Together, we can make significant strides in creating a cleaner, greener, and more equitable world," Renying added.

Head Chapter Leader of UAE WiRE (Women in Renewable Energy) Rahaf Ajaj said at the meeeting that creation of the Global South NGO Platform opens up new opportunities.

"The creation of a Global South NGO platform opens up two key opportunities for us. We need to ensure that the platform amplifies diverse voices—especially those of women, communities, and youth—because decisions cannot be made without their participation. Besides, we must use our collective experience to develop financial mechanisms that direct resources to community-led climate initiatives," she noted.

According to her, the path to climate justice goes through the Global South.

"By uniting our voices and actions through this platform, we can transform the global climate agenda to truly serve those who suffer the most from the climate crisis," Ajaj added.

The representative of the Pan-African Alliance for Climate Change Justice, Charles Peter Mwangi, stressed that Global South has great potential for sustainable and inclusive development.

“The Global South, as we know, has long faced systemic and structural injustices in various spheres, including economic exploitation, political interference, inequalities in trade, finance, and development, and, of course, the threat of climate change to local communities.

These injustices are often the result of a history of resources being extracted without fair compensation. Africa, in particular, has serious problems with the unsustainable exploitation of critical minerals,” he noted.

According to him, the Global South has great potential for sustainable and inclusive development, but this potential often remains untapped because of structural injustices in the global financial and economic systems.

“So in order to create a just world, we need to recognize these historical realities that many countries in the Global South are facing,” he said.

09:15 (GMT+4)

Baku is hosting a landmark gathering today as civil society leaders and NGO representatives from 116 countries — home to nearly 80 percent of the world’s population — come together for the founding conference of the Global South NGO Platform.

This major event is considered a milestone for civil society across the Global South, which spans Asia, Africa, Latin America, and Oceania — representing two-thirds of the world’s nations.

The idea to establish the platform was first introduced by Azerbaijan’s National NGO Forum during COP29 in November 2024. The initiative quickly resonated internationally. In response, the COP29 NGO Coalition urged the Azerbaijani forum to formalize the platform — marking the first time an Azerbaijani-led NGO initiative has gained such widespread global backing.

Azerbaijan’s recent leadership within the Non-Aligned Movement and its efforts to promote a fairer global order — alongside key initiatives and what’s been dubbed the Baku Breakthrough at COP29 — have earned the country growing support among nations of the Global South. Today’s event is seen as a new chapter for Azerbaijan’s civil society on the world stage.

The creation of the Global South NGO Platform in Baku highlights Azerbaijan’s growing role as a mediator and bridge between the Global North and Global South.

The platform aims to help countries in this vital region tackle shared challenges and ensure their voices are heard internationally. It’s designed to allow these nations to speak with a united voice in global institutions — including the United Nations — and to coordinate joint action on common issues. These include poverty, climate change, the lingering effects of colonialism, digital inequality, trade imbalances, and more. It also seeks to strengthen South-South cooperation.

The founding conference is taking place today at the Baku Congress Center. Over two days, the international conference — titled “Solidarity in Action: Strengthening Global South NGOs for a New and Fair World” — will feature addresses from leading global NGO figures, high-level discussions, and reflections on the continuing importance of the Bandung Principles, adopted in Indonesia 70 years ago. Those principles championed respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, rejected interference in states’ internal affairs, called for a fair world order, and encouraged nations to unite in promoting mutual interests, cooperation, and economic development.