Somali presidential advisor: Azerbaijan - bridge between regions, civilizations

Azerbaijan is strengthening its role as a bridge between regions and civilizations, actively promoting dialogue, peace, and sustainable development, Mohamed Osman Mohamud, Advisor to the President of Somalia and Founder and CEO of the Sadar Institute, said at the General Assembly of the Global South NGO Platform on Thursday in Baku, Report informs.

"Today, Azerbaijan is strengthening its position not only as a bridge between regions, but also as a bridge between civilizations, while simultaneously taking important steps to promote dialogue, peace, and sustainable development," he said.

According to him, the global community currently has more questions than answers, and all of them require systematic consideration and careful analysis. He emphasized that more than 2 billion people live in conditions of instability and conflict, and the effects of climate change affect millions of people worldwide.

He also highlighted food insecurity and the fact that by 2050, over 70% of the world's population will live in cities, particularly highlighting the situation in Africa, where rapid urbanization is leading to the growth of informal settlements and shortages of housing and sanitation.

The presidential adviser added that climate shocks, droughts, floods, and conflicts continue to threaten peace and security on the continent. At the same time, Africa demonstrates significant potential for economic growth thanks to its young population and vast resource base.

He emphasized that the Global South NGO platform plays a "historic role" in uniting communities, amplifying voices, and translating experience into global action, and that civil society "must be at the center of decision-making, not on its periphery."

"Peace is the foundation of all development. Without peace, there is no prosperity, without justice, there is no stability, and without cooperation, there is no sustainable future," he stated.

He also praised Azerbaijan's role in promoting dialogue, multilateralism, and global peacebuilding.