Final declaration of Global South NGO Platform General Assembly adopted in Baku
Final declaration of Global South NGO Platform General Assembly adopted in Baku
The final declaration of the first General Assembly of the Global South NGO Platform was adopted in Baku, outlining the institutional development and key areas of activity of the new international civil society initiative.
The document was read out during the General Assembly by Secretary General Fuad Karimli.
The declaration states that since its establishment in 2025, the initiative has evolved into an important mechanism for coordinating the interests of the Global South on the international stage.
"The formation of the Platform is the logical result of a shared historical necessity and deepening global solidarity. This stage is based on traditions of cooperation shaped during Azerbaijanchr("39")s chairmanship of the Non-Aligned Movement and during COP29," the document says.
It notes that this cooperation has led to the creation of an international network bringing together more than 1,000 representatives from over 120 countries.
The declaration also emphasizes that the first General Assembly coincided with Azerbaijanchr("39")s hosting of the 13th session of the World Urban Forum 13.
"We express our deep gratitude to Azerbaijan for hosting the event and extend our appreciation to UN-Habitat for its support and for providing a dedicated pavilion for our platform," the declaration states.
The document underlines that, for the first time in the history of the World Urban Forum, NGOs from the Global South were granted their own pavilion at a UN venue, describing it as an important step toward strengthening the voice of civil society.
It also welcomes the establishment of a separate NGO forum within the framework of WUF, calling it a historic step in advancing dialogue and cooperation.
According to the declaration, members of the platform have already participated in international events in Bonn, Kenya, and Belém, promoting the Global South agenda at the international level.
Among the key priorities outlined in the document are strengthening governance mechanisms, expanding regional representation, establishing working groups, and increasing the role of the Secretariat through the appointment of four regional deputy secretaries-general.
The declaration also envisions holding an annual General Assembly in the host country of the headquarters, expanding digital cooperation, developing partnerships with international donors, and launching joint grant initiatives.
Youth engagement and the organization of international forums were also identified as separate priorities.
The declaration stresses that countries of the Global South are moving from the role of observers to becoming active participants in shaping the global agenda.