Highlights of GSNP at #WUF13

GSNP - The Colors of Unity!

On May 19, 2026, the “WUF13 NGO Forum” was held for the first time in the history of the World Urban Forum, organized by Azerbaijan’s NGO Agency in partnership with the GSNP (Global South NGO Platform): “Sustainable and Inclusive Urban Planning: Global Partnerships and the Impact of NGOs on Decision-Making.”

For the first time in the history of the World Urban Forum, the WUF13 NGO Forum was held in partnership with the Global South NGO Platform (GSNP). Speaking at the opening ceremony of the NGO Forum, Anacláudia Rossbach, Executive Director of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), described the Forum as a historic milestone for WUF and underlined the important role of civil society in urban development and decision-making processes. Hikmat Hajiyev, Assistant to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Head of the Foreign Policy Affairs Department of the Presidential Administration and member of the WUF13 Organising Committee, noted that Azerbaijan has become an important platform for promoting cooperation and effective dialogue between the Global North and the Global South through its active diplomacy. He emphasized that civil society gives additional momentum to building trust between the Global South and the Global North, highlighting the recent General Assembly of the Global South NGO Platform held in Baku as a clear example of this approach. #WUF13 #WUF13Azerbaijan #Baku2026 #WorldUrbanForum

In the very first day of our sessions, we hosted 30 countries, Mr. Hikmat Hajiyev, Assistant to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan - Head of the Department of Foreign Policy Affairs of the Presidential Administration of the Republic of Azerbaijan, visited the GSNP booth

Azərbaycan Prezidentinin köməkçisi - Prezident Administrasiyasının Xarici siyasət məsələləri şöbəsinin müdiri Hikmət Hacıyev Bakıda keçirilən GSNP Baş Assambleyasında çıxış edib. ngoagency.gov.az/az/communic… #GSNP #GSNPGeneralAssembly #GlobalSouthNGOPlatform

Bakıda GSNP (Global South NGO Platform) Baş Assambleyasının açılış mərasiminə dəqiqələr qalır ngoagency.gov.az/az/communic… #GSNP #GSNPGeneralAssembly #GlobalSouthNGOPlatform

The Organization of Turkic States is strengthening its international position during Azerbaijan’s current chairmanship. Within the framework of the “OTS Plus” format, new partners, opportunities, and prospects for cooperation are being explored. These remarks were made by Rizvan Nabiyev, Member of the Supervisory Board of the Azerbaijan State Support Agency for NGOs and Member of the Milli Majlis, during his speech at the Second Solidarity Forum of NGOs from member states of the OTS. The MP recalled that the Organization of Turkic States and its member countries are currently cooperating in 35 different areas. Efforts are also underway to obtain observer status at the United Nations and to grant observer status within the OTS framework to other subjects of international law. This issue was reflected in the final declaration adopted after last year’s summit in Gabala. “At the Gabala Summit, for the first time in the history of the Turkic world, special attention was devoted to cooperation in the fields of security and peace, defense, and the defense industry. At the foundation of this stands Azerbaijan’s victory in Karabakh, achieved through the military and political-diplomatic efforts of the Victorious Commander-in-Chief, President Ilham Aliyev. We restored our territorial integrity, sovereignty, and national dignity. The restoration of this national dignity is something the entire Turkic world shares.” He noted that Shusha, one of the symbols of Azerbaijan’s victory, became a sister city of Turkistan. A digitalization-focused informal summit was held in that historic Turkic city. “Today’s generation, as successors of the First Turkology Congress held in 1926, must implement the ideas of our ancestors through new methods and digital formats. There are unfinished aspirations and ideas, and we must realize them in accordance with the demands of the modern era.” R. Nabiyev emphasized that, in this regard, the prestigious World Urban Forum of the United Nations, which will begin in Baku in two days and is dedicated to urban settlement issues, deserves particular attention. “At this Urban Forum, we will present the reconstruction efforts carried out in the liberated territories of a country whose lands were devastated by occupation and which suffered damages exceeding 150 billion US dollars.” “These are examples of Track 1 diplomacy — classical diplomacy. The other direction is represented by the activities of the NGOs from OTS member states sitting in this hall, which is Track 2 diplomacy. This includes public diplomacy, science diplomacy, and cultural diplomacy, because each complements the other. Classical diplomacy is Track 1 diplomacy, while the activities of NGOs constitute Track 2 diplomacy. However, today a new synthesis model is emerging in the international relations system — Track 1.5 diplomacy. This is the synthesis of classical diplomacy and public diplomacy. Let us think together and leave this forum with the idea of developing new concepts based on this synthesis, thereby contributing to the strengthening of solidarity, unity, and common thinking in the Turkic world.” #TDT #HəmrəylikForumu #GSNP #GSNPGeneralAssembly #GlobalSouthNGOPlatform #QHT #NGO #QHTAgentliyi #NGOAgency

The Global South NGO Platform (GSNP) General Assembly convened in Baku, Azerbaijan, bringing together civil society voices from across the Global South ahead of the 13th World Urban Forum. Representing Africa as Deputy Secretary General – Africa Region, Dr. Mithika Mwenda @mithikamwenda delivered a powerful call for climate justice, urban resilience, equitable development financing, and stronger civic solidarity in a rapidly changing geopolitical era. The Assembly also operationalized key GSNP leadership structures and strengthened collective action under the #BakuPrinciples toward a more just, inclusive, and sustainable world order. #GSNP #ClimateJustice #UrbanResilience #WUF13 #GlobalSouth #Baku2026

Honored to address the First General Assembly of the Global South NGO Platform in Baku, an important initiative reflecting growing solidarity, dialogue and cooperation across the Global South. Under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, Azerbaijan has continued promoting dialogue, multilateralism and stronger engagement among developing countries, including throughout the #COP29 Presidency. The Platform carries forward the inclusive spirit of #COP29, where civil society, NGOs and volunteers played an important role in advancing dialogue, trust and climate action. At a time when climate change is increasingly affecting water security, food systems, health, migration and economic stability, stronger public participation and international cooperation are more important than ever. The Global South must continue raising its collective voice not only in advocacy, but also in implementation. As we move from commitments to delivery after #COP29, inclusive partnerships and community-driven action will remain essential for building a more resilient and sustainable future. #GSNP #COP29

Azerbaijan’s chairing of the inaugural Global South NGO Platform (GSNP) assembly in Baku highlights the country’s commitment to regional cooperation, the international civil society network’s Secretary-General has said. anewz.tv/region/south-caucas…

2026-cı il mayın 14-də GSNP Baş Assambleyası çərçivəsində təşkil edilən “İlmə-ilmə birlik” adlı sərgidə iştirak etdik. Sərgidə Azərbaycanın qədim xalçaçılıq ənənələri, yaradıcı sənaye nümunələri və müasir urban elementlər harmonik şəkildə nümayiş olunub. #GSNP #GSNPGeneralAssembly #globalsouthngoplatform

Highlights from the General Assembly of the Global South NGO Platform #gsnp #wuf13 #ngo #fyp

The result of 1st year of activity at the opening ceremony of the GSNP General Assembly youtu.be/b0otvTP2cN0?si=EG_G… @globalsouthngo

The opening ceremony of the First General Assembly of the #GlobalSouthNGOPlatform (GSNP) was held. NGO representatives from more than 110 countries participated in the event. Qlobal Cənub QHT Platformasının ilk Baş Assambleyası keçirilib. @globalsouthngo #GSNP

#GSNP @globalsouthngo

A New Era for the Global South NGO Platform: Leadership and Vision @globalsouthngo Fuad Karimli Elected as Secretary-General. #InclusiveCities #SustainableCities #GSNP #BakuUrbanWeek

#BakuUrbanWeek should inspire a global commitment to building cities that are inclusive, resilient, and sustainable, where innovation and collaboration create equal opportunities and better living conditions for all. #InclusiveCities #SustainableCities #GSNP @globalsouthngo @WUF13Azerbaijan

Inclusive and sustainable cities are built when global experiences inspire local action, ensuring that urban development leaves no community behind while creating resilient futures for generations to come. #BakuUrbanWeek #SustainableCities #GSNP #BakuUrbanWeek @globalsouthngo

#GSNP @globalsouthngo