Hajiyev: Global South should be more actively involved in shaping new world order - SUMMARY

The First General Assembly of the Global South NGO Platform opened in Baku today. The event discussed enhancing the role of the Global South in global affairs and other pressing issues of concern to countries in this vast region, Report informs.

One of the speakers at the event was Hikmat Hajiyev, Assistant to the President of Azerbaijan and Head of the Foreign Policy Affairs Department of the Presidential Administration, who presented Baku's position on key issues on the international and regional agenda.

On the role of the Global South in the modern world order

In today's global turbulence, the role and significance of the Global South are gradually increasing. Hajiyev noted that it should be recognized that people are living in an era of global disorder. New threats, new challenges, and new uncertainties are emerging. Unfortunately, throughout history, the Global South has not been represented at the negotiating table during the formation of a new global order. Particularly after World War II, the voice of the Global South was not heard. Today, countries of the Global South are striving to address this shortcoming, as the current world order has proven ineffective.

Currently, given their greater potential and the fact that 80% of the world's population lives in the Global South, countries in this region cannot sit idly by as a new world order takes shape. Countries of the Global South should actively participate in all these processes and initiatives. The current structure of international institutions, particularly the UN Security Council, does not reflect the realities of the modern world. The UN Security Council reform process must, in particular, ensure the voice and equitable representation of the Global South.

In this regard, Hajiyev emphasized that Azerbaijan considers itself part of the Global South and understands the challenges faced by countries in this region. Azerbaijan also remains a staunch supporter of multilateral cooperation.

According to him, unfortunately, "we are witnessing a paralysis of multilateral institutions and mechanisms." Therefore, in his opinion, the role of countries of the Global South in strengthening international institutions will increase.

Today, countries in the Global South face new threats, including digital inequality and the impacts of climate change. Digital transformation is widening the gap between the Global South and the Global North, creating additional obstacles to sustainable development.

Against this backdrop, Azerbaijan calls on countries in the Global South to strengthen solidarity: "Through solidarity and collaboration, we can make our fair voice heard much louder on the global stage," Hajiyev emphasized.

Azerbaijan also advocates cooperation with the Global North and other regions of the world, "however, such interaction must be based on the principles of justice and equality."

Neocolonialism remains a pressing issue for countries of the Global South

According to Hajiyev, countries in the Global South have historically suffered greatly from colonialism and neocolonialism, and the problem itself remains pressing: "It's a scar on the face of humanity. But is it a thing of the past? Unfortunately, these practices continue today, taking on new forms and manifestations on the global stage."

Regarding the persistence of neocolonialism, Hajiyev emphasized that some countries are impeding the full functioning of the UN Decolonization Committee: "We also note with regret that the UN Committee on Decolonization is still unable to fully implement its mandate, as some countries resist the decolonization process," Hajiyev noted.

The presidential aide recalled that during Azerbaijan's chairmanship of the Non-Aligned Movement from 2019 to 2022, the fight against neocolonialism was one of the country's priorities.