Participants in Baku discussion call for strengthening position of Global South in int'l institutions

A panel discussion on the theme "Global South Rising: The Bandung Spirit and the Fight for Sovereign Futures" has been held at the founding conference of the Global South NGO Platform in Baku, Report informs.

The participants discussed the role of civil society in promoting sovereignty, justice and sustainable development. The event was moderated by Parvana Valiyeva, member of the Azerbaijani Parliament, member of the board of directors of the National Forum of NGOs of Azerbaijan, and Carlyle Corbin, international advisor on governance issues.

In her opening speech, Parvana Valiyeva briefly spoke about the historical significance of the Bandung Conference, noting that it laid the foundation for the creation of the most important platform for global dialogue - the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM).

"During Azerbaijan's chairmanship of the Non-Aligned Movement, our country invariably relied on the key principles of the Bandung Conference - support for the sovereignty, independence and equality of states. We also raised the issue of countering new forms of colonialism. In addition, during the chairmanship, Azerbaijan initiated the creation of an NGO - BIG. We are deeply concerned about the persisting and emerging forms of colonialism in the 21st century and call on the international community to intensify efforts to completely eliminate it," Valiyeva emphasized.

Carlyle Corbin, in turn, expressed gratitude to Azerbaijan for its active position on issues of neocolonialism, noting that such efforts resonate with many countries in the Global South.

"The creation of the Global South NGO Platform is an important step in strengthening the position of the countries of the region in the international arena, including the UN. This initiative brings together non-governmental organizations to promote South-South cooperation and jointly find solutions to key challenges - poverty, climate change, disability, trade inequality, modern colonialism and other problems. In light of the impetus given by the COP29 conference last November, I want to note how relevant this agenda is for the Caribbean region, which includes both sovereign and non-self-governing territories," Corbin said.

The panel discussion then continued with speakers sharing their vision of the role of the newly created Global South NGO Platform, and also noting the contribution of Azerbaijan to the promotion of global initiatives and the search for solutions to pressing global problems.

Pradeep Paulose, Programme Officer, Division for Strategic Planning and South-South Cooperation (SPP/SSC) at the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), noted that the platform can accelerate collective progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

“UNIDO is pleased to be your partner in this endeavor, not by prescribing solutions, but by providing information, facilitating exchanges and providing technical support as needed. Together, we can translate the principle of solidarity into tangible development impact, building a more just world,” he said.

Professor of Security and Military Studies, Director of Strategic Studies at ACRPS (Arab Center for Research and Policy) Omar Ashour emphasized that Azerbaijan is making every effort to ensure that the voice of the global South is heard on the world stage. He also expressed admiration for the work the country has done in its liberated territories.

The regional representative of the University for Peace under the auspices of the United Nations (UPEACE), Special Economic Advisor to the President of Somalia Mohamed Osman called for more active participation in the process launched in Baku and aimed at improving public life through the efforts of civil society.

Zimbabwean Youth Ambassador Abiel Elson said that he was proud to return to the country that successfully hosted the COP29 climate conference. He noted the importance of involving young people in solving global issues.

"Youth should be actively involved in key decision-making processes, which should be a priority for all areas. Let us use this forum to communicate, propose solutions, strengthen partnerships, share our resources and, above all, develop our communities," Elson said.

Salem Ayenan, President and founder of the NGO "Future for Future", spoke about the difficulties faced by young people.

He noted that young people from the Global South face problems in connection with participation in international conferences, since they are limited in visa services.

The representative of the Secretariat of the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) from Vanuatu, Balkonan Richard, expressed gratitude to Azerbaijan and the government of the country for organizing such an important event, where such global issues as human rights, problems of the Global South, climate change and others are raised.

President of the League for the Liberation of the Comoros, Mohamed Mohiuddin, in his speech spoke about how France neglects human rights in its island territories, mercilessly destroys natural resources. He emphasized that the inhabitants of the island states feel like migrants in their homeland.

Photo: Samira Hasanova