Within the framework of the Second Africa Urban Forum (AUF2), the Global South NGO Platform organized a side event entitled “From AUF2 to WUF13 and Beyond: NGO Forum on Sustainable Urban Development in Africa,” in partnership with the Azerbaijan Urban Campaign and the NGO Agency.
Representatives of the Platform’s Secretariat, Fuad Karimli and Nadima Rahimli, highlighted that the Global South, encompassing Latin America, Africa, Asia, Oceania and Australia, represents approximately 80 percent of the world’s population, yet remains underrepresented in global decision-making processes. In this context, they underscored that the Platform serves as a collective response to the need for greater unity and representation at the international level. It was noted that the Platform, established in April 2025 in Baku with the participation of NGOs from 116 countries, has demonstrated notable growth in a short period. Appreciation was expressed to UN-Habitat for facilitating the organization of the Platform’s side event at the AUF2 pavilion. It was further noted that the first General Assembly of the Global South NGO Platform will be held in Azerbaijan on 14 May 2026 within the framework of “Baku Urban Week,” with preparations currently underway.
In her opening remarks, Aygun Aliyeva, Chairperson of the Management Board of the Agency on State Support to NGOs of the Republic of Azerbaijan and member of the WUF13 Organizing Committee, noted that the Platform currently brings together more than 600 NGOs from 116 countries and continues to expand. She recalled that the United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation (UNOSSC) has commended Azerbaijan’s policy toward the Global South, including its support for civil society. She emphasized that the NGO Agency is honored to partner in the organization of the Platform’s General Assembly. Ms. Aliyeva also invited African NGOs to actively participate in WUF13, highlighting that, for the first time in the history of the World Urban Forum, an NGO Forum will be held at the WUF13 pavilion in Baku on 19 May 2026, providing a platform for enhanced cooperation and networking among civil society actors.
Sultan Hajiyev, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United Nations Office in Nairobi and Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Republic of Kenya, emphasized that, in the context of rapid urbanization, cities are increasingly becoming key drivers of economic development, social integration and environmental sustainability.
Charlene Ruto, Founder and Head of the SMACHS Foundation, reflected on her participation in COP29 in 2024 and in the Forum “Solidarity in Action: Empowering Global South NGOs for a New and Fair World,” held in Baku last year. She highlighted the importance of sustainable development, the role of youth, and the value of community-based initiatives.
Representatives of the Platform from various regions emphasized key challenges such as infrastructure deficits, housing shortages, climate vulnerability, and social inequality, underlining their significance for Africa and the broader global context.
The side event served as an important platform for the exchange of perspectives and experiences on advancing sustainable urban development. It is worth noting that the Second Africa Urban Forum (AUF2) concludes its work today.